The #StrandedBae meme emerged as a humorous take on influencers and social media users who manage to look perfectly curated even during inconvenient travel delays or being stranded in mundane locations. It plays on the contrast between a stressful situation—like a flight cancellation or a broken-down car—and the subject's impeccable appearance or dramatic posing. This meme is widely used to poke fun at 'main character energy' and the lengths people go to for the perfect photo, regardless of the circumstances. It has since evolved into a versatile template for any situation where someone is stuck but chooses to lean into the drama or aesthetic of the moment.