Vaporwave is more than just a meme; it is an entire internet subculture and musical genre that emerged in the early 2010s. Characterized by its fascination with 1980s and 90s consumerism, elevator music, and early web design, the visual aesthetic often features marble Greek statues, pink and teal neon gradients, and tropical motifs. As a meme, it utilizes irony and nostalgia to critique modern capitalist culture while embracing a dreamy, surrealist 'lo-fi' vibe. Users often apply 'A E S T H E T I C' styling—using full-width, spaced-out characters—to evoke a sense of digital detachment and retro-futuristic longing that defines the movement.