The Milk Carton meme draws inspiration from the real-life practice of printing photographs of missing children on dairy containers, a campaign that began in the United States during the 1980s. In the digital age, the format evolved into a satirical way to call out celebrities, public figures, or even abstract concepts that have seemingly vanished from public relevance. Whether used for lighthearted teasing among friends or sharp commentary on a "missing" cultural trend, the iconic black-and-white aesthetic of the milk carton remains a staple of internet satire and nostalgia.