#TheTriggering began as a viral hashtag event in early 2016, primarily on Twitter, designed to challenge political correctness and trigger social justice activists through provocative posts. Spearheaded by media personalities, the movement quickly evolved into a broader meme culture phenomenon where images of exaggerated emotional reactions—often featuring wide eyes and screaming faces—became the standard visual representation. It is typically used to mock over-the-top reactions to controversial opinions or to highlight the polarized nature of online discourse. Today, the meme serves as a versatile template for depicting any situation where someone is perceived to be losing their composure over a minor or factual statement.