The term 'Vibe Shift' skyrocketed into the mainstream in early 2022 following a viral article in New York Magazine’s The Cut. It describes a seismic change in the prevailing social atmosphere, where current trends, fashion, and attitudes suddenly feel dated. The meme is typically used to signal the end of an era—like the transition from high-gloss influencer culture to messy 'Indie Sleaze'—or to humorously depict the anxiety of struggling to keep up with fast-paced internet cycles. It serves as a catch-all for that uneasy feeling when you realize the collective 'cool' has moved on to something entirely different.