The Rise and Fall of the 'Look Over the Shoulder Meme'

In today's digital age, memes have become an integral part of our online culture. From 'Distracted Boyfriend' to 'Grumpy Cat,' it seems like new memes are emerging every day. One such meme that gained widespread popularity in recent years is the 'look over the shoulder' meme. The image behind this meme is a stock photo taken by photographer Antonio Guillem, featuring his boyfriend and girlfriend, Mario and Laura, simulating a scene of infidelity.

The image was uploaded to Shutterstock with the caption: 'Disloyal man walking with his girlfriend and looking amazed at another seductive girl.' At first glance, the image may seem harmless, but it's the context in which it was taken that adds a layer of complexity. Guillem has stated that his images are subject to copyright laws and the license agreements of the microstock agencies.

Laura, one half of the couple, described the experience of shooting the stock images, saying: 'When people saw us simulate those scenes in the street, they stopped to look and laugh and, in my case, I had to have a more serious face, I had a hard time keeping it.' It's clear that the couple was aware of the attention their actions would draw.

The boyfriend and girlfriend in the photograph are known by their stage names 'Mario' and 'Laura.' Guillem told Wired that he and the stock image models planned on having a session which would represent the concept of infidelity 'in a playful and fun way.'

The stock image was taken in the city of Girona in Catalonia, Spain, in mid-2015. Since then, it has become one of the most popular memes online, with people using it to express their reactions to various situations.

In conclusion, the 'look over the shoulder' meme is a prime example of how a seemingly innocent image can take on a life of its own and become a cultural phenomenon. It's a reminder that even in an era of digital communication, real-life experiences can still have a profound impact on our online culture.

Look over the shoulder meme