The 'Real X vs. Mental Disorders' meme format stems from internet subcultures using irony to equate intense fandom or specific personality types with psychological conditions. It often features a side-by-side comparison or a list where a 'Real [Insert Subject]' is placed alongside clinical diagnoses like anxiety or depression. The humor lies in the self-deprecating admission that being deeply invested in certain niche hobbies or lifestyles is, in itself, a form of madness. It gained traction on platforms like Twitter and Tumblr, where users frequently use it to mock gatekeeping or to signal-boost their own hyper-fixations in a humorous, relatable way.