World War III memes became a dominant internet trend during periods of heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly peaking in early 2020 and 2022. Unlike traditional war humor, these memes often focus on the absurdity of modern life colliding with global conflict, featuring themes like draft dodging, Gen Z's reaction to being recruited, and the survival of internet culture in a post-apocalyptic world. They serve as a coping mechanism for digital natives to process anxiety regarding international relations through dark humor and satire. From viral Twitter threads to complex video edits, the WWIII meme remains a recurring staple of social media whenever global headlines turn serious.