What's the deal with the red flag meme popping up all over social media?

We have to admit, the red flag meme is one of the funniest trends to emerge online this year

Red warning flag on the beach and turquoise sea on background, red flag meme
(Image credit: Getty)

There's no need for alarm. Although the red flag meme has been swarming social media accounts, we assure you, there's no reason to panic...at least not yet. 

In arguably one of the best trends taking over news feeds, red flags have been appearing next to people's text and photos. Similarly to real life, the virtual red flags signal a deal-breaker when speaking with or dating someone. The trend is a little way for you to express what works for you and what doesn't fly.

For example, if someone were to approach you and say, "I didn't listen to Adele's 'Easy On Me'," that would be incredibly problematic and worthy of a virtual red flag. Another example would be "I like pineapple on my pizza." Undoubtedly, a New Yorker would flag this foodie faux pas in a heartbeat. For us? "Oh, I didn't get a chance to look at that My Imperfect Life article." That would absolutely be a no-go, so wave that red flag high!

Although it originally began with people of color relaying their dating woes on social media, according to The Mary Sue, the rest of the internet quickly picked up and decided to work on a running list of problematic actions or sayings. 

Personal accounts, retailers and businesses have all chimed in on the fun, and we have to admit, the results are pretty funny. Truthfully, they run a pretty close race to those Squid Game memes, which is no easy feat. 

Let's see what's a deal or no deal. Prepare to LOL!



The best red flag memes on the internet

E News! certainly doesn't understand how one would not keep up with the Kardashian crew. Perish the thought!


Bravo Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi is quick to question someone who doesn't share the same taste for Indian cuisine. 


The Teletubbies, our childhood pals, have even decided to weigh in on the matter. For those who don't want a Tubby Custard? We'll, they're just not playing with a full deck. 


We can sense spam from a mile away. 


Well, not for anything, but who doesn't appreciate app-controlled vibrators?


When their podcast game isn't quite on the same level as yours, truthfully it is a bit worrisome. 


This is a lie. We ALL like breakfast foods. 


Oh, you don't drink coffee? Do you not enjoy happiness? 


So what do you think of this silly trend? What are your red flags? 

If you'd like to contribute to the hype but aren't quite sure where to start, go back to the basics. This all started with love: have a look at the biggest dating deal-breakers by age and start tweeting from there. 

If you're out in real life and hear a potential SO blurt out one of those red flags ("No, I'm not watching Money Heist"), be sure to familiarize yourself with our first date tips so you know how to act accordingly.

Danielle Valente
Digital News Writer

Need a TV show recommendation? Maybe a few decor tips? Danielle, a digital news writer at Future, has you covered. Her work appears throughout the company’s lifestyle brands, including My Imperfect Life, Real Homes, and woman&home. Mainly, her time is spent at My Imperfect Life, where she’s attuned to the latest entertainment trends and dating advice for Gen Z.

Before her time at Future, Danielle was the editor of Time Out New York Kids, where she got to experience the best of the city from the point of view of its littlest residents. Before that, she was a news editor at Elite Daily. Her work has also appeared in Domino, Chowhound, and amNewYork, to name a few. 

When Danielle’s not writing, you can find her testing out a new recipe, reading a book (suggestions always welcome), or rearranging the furniture in her apartment…again.