The 'Please Photoshop Away the Kid' meme stems from the long-standing internet tradition of users asking social media groups or famous editors to remove unwanted elements from their photos. Instead of a professional touch-up, these requests often lead to 'malicious compliance' where the editor humorously interprets the instructions, such as removing everything except the kid or making the kid the central focus. This trope gained massive popularity through troll artists like James Fridman, highlighting the chaotic humor of the internet when people ask for free favors. It serves as a cautionary tale about the unpredictable nature of online photoshop requests and the hilarity of literal interpretations.