The Self Loathing Otter meme features a photograph of a sea otter holding its head in its paws, looking as if it is overwhelmed by embarrassment or existential regret. This image first gained traction on social media sites like Reddit and Tumblr, where users paired it with captions about social anxiety, awkward encounters, and the relatable feeling of wanting to hide from the world. The meme stands out for its perfect blend of cuteness and deep, self-deprecating humor, making it a go-to choice for expressing the human experience of 'cringing' at one's own past actions.