Why Is Twitter Obsessed With Realistic Depictions Of Panic Attacks In Animation? The Viral Meme Explained

Since the beginning of 2023, Twitter and social media users at large have been pointing out and making fun of realistic depictions of panic attacks in animation. There's been consistent discourse and memes surrounding the topic since January, with films including The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Into the Spider-Verse becoming some of the most popular examples.

Now, the Demon Slayer movie has become the latest target of the memes. Here's why.

What Is The 'Realistic Depiction of a Panic Attack in Animation' Meme?

The meme started in January 2023, shortly following the release of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish that prior December. The film was praised by critics and viewers alike. In particular, it gained praise online for its realistic depiction of Puss having a panic attack, something that, if you ask some, has not been realistically depicted in media enough.

The scene gained viral spread online and was compared to the panic attack scene in the widely disliked series Velma, which arguably has a much worse depiction of a panic attack. From there, people dug up more and more examples of panic attacks in animation, from the Mario Movie to Into the Spider-Verse to the PAW Patrol Movie.

The oversaturation of these scenes and the seemingly growing trend of depicting panic attacks in animation, coupled with the overwhelming online praise for them, attracted trolls, who were eager to make memes out of just how obsessed people, especially those who experience panic attacks, seemed to be over them.

How Are Realistic Depictions Of Panic Attacks In Animation' Used In Memes?

Ever since the Puss in Boots example went viral, every single time a new animated movie or TV show depicts a panic attack, someone online points it out. Often, they point it out in the exact context of it being either a realistic or unrealistic depiction of a panic attack, referencing the original discourse.

The discourse inspired a short-lived copypasta in April 2023 about the "most accurate depiction of a panic attack," where scenes that don't depict panic attacks at all are touted as the most accurate depictions. Recently, the Demon Slayer movie has gone viral on Twitter after a user praised its depiction of a panic attack, adding another to the ongoing list of animated films and TV shows depicting panic attacks.

For the full history of realistic depictions of a panic attack in animation, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.