The Vicious Cycle meme, also known as the Vicious Circle, features a simple flowchart where arrows connect a series of events into an inescapable loop. While the concept of a vicious cycle has existed in logic and economics for decades, it became a viral meme format through MS Paint-style diagrams shared on platforms like Reddit and Tumblr. It is typically used to satirize catch-22 situations, such as the struggle of needing experience to get a job while needing a job to gain experience. Its minimalist design and relatable themes make it a versatile tool for expressing the futility of modern life, social anxiety, or toxic daily habits.