The image presents a figure that appears to be a fantastical creature, resembling a troll or goblin, standing in a domestic-looking setting. The creature is adorned with what seems like rustic clothing, complete with a belt and accessories that suggest a mythical or medieval aesthetic. Its features are exaggerated and non-human, with large, pointed ears; a wrinkled, expressive face; and a hunched posture.
The caption accompanying the photo reads "*my match on tinder*," which is a humorous juxtaposition that plays on the expectations versus reality trope often found in modern day meme culture. Tinder, being a popular dating app where users swipe to find matches based on photographs and profiles, sets an expectation for human encounters. So, when the "match" is humorously depicted as a mythical creature, it defies the user's expectations humorously.
The creature's expression, which could be interpreted as grumpy or confused, adds to the comedic effect. It seems almost as if the creature is itself surprised or disapproving of being a Tinder match, playing into the humor of how a person might react when the match is not what one would typically expect or desire.
The setting also contrasts with the creature, as it is quite ordinary and mundane. There's a sense of normalcy in the environment that collides with the absurdity of the creature's presence. This further emphasizes the comedic effect by suggesting this wildly non-human entity is positioned in a very human context, thus heightening the humor derived from incongruity.
Why some might find this scene funny largely stems from the element of surprise and the subversion of expectations. The image, combined with the caption, creates a swift and whimsical punchline that plays on the modern dating experience. It satirizes the occasional disappointments or bizarre encounters people may experience on dating platforms, thus resonating with those who have had similar experiences.
Moreover, the idea that such a creature could exist within a dating app like Tinder plays into the wider internet culture of self-deprecation and making light of one's dating struggles. It provides a comical representation of an "unfortunate" dating match and can serve as a shared joke among those navigating the world of online dating. The humor is in the absurdity, and the shared understanding that the image is an embellishment of the occasional mismatches people encounter in their search for romance online. my match on tinder