The 'Vanessa Stare' originates from the 2021 video game Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach, specifically highlighting the intense, wide-eyed gaze of the security guard character, Vanessa. This expression became a viral sensation as a reaction image used to convey judgment, suspicion, or an uncomfortably focused observation. Often utilized in 'POV' scenarios, the meme places the viewer in the shoes of someone who has just said or done something questionable. Its popularity exploded across platforms like TikTok and Twitter, where fans paired the unsettling still frame with various humorous captions to satirize the character's role as a persistent antagonist.