The image shows a two-panel meme featuring the character Skeletor from the classic animated series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe." In the first panel, Skeletor is depicted with his arm extended as if presenting a factual statement, and overlaid text reads "DATES ARE JUST INTERVIEWS FOR SEX." The second panel presents Skeletor briskly walking away, with the text "UNTIL NEXT TIME NERDS! ALSO ACCEPTING INTERVIEW APPLICANTS" placed at the bottom.
This meme might be considered humorous for several reasons. Initially, the use of the character Skeletor, a villain known for his dramatic flair and scheming plots, juxtaposed with the subject of modern dating, creates a comedic contrast. Skeletor's serious demeanor being applied to something as pedestrian as dating is an example of the incongruity theory of humor, whereby the humor arises from an inconsistency between what one expects and what one experiences.
The phrase “DATES ARE JUST INTERVIEWS FOR SEX” delivers a humorous, albeit cynical view of dating, reframing a social interaction traditionally seen as a courtship ritual into something more transactional and blunt. This subverts expectations and can elicit a laugh due to its frank oversimplification of the complex human mating dance.
The second panel furthers the joke by implying that Skeletor, after dropping his controversial opinion, is swiftly leaving the scene, anticipating possible backlash or having stirred the pot sufficiently. The phrase "UNTIL NEXT TIME NERDS!" is a playful nod to Skeletor's typical manner of speaking and acts as a farewell to his audience, which, in the context of the internet, might be fellow fans of nerd culture or those engaged in online debates about relationships.
Moreover, the added "ALSO ACCEPTING INTERVIEW APPLICANTS" insinuates that Skeletor himself is participating in this dating-as-interviews process, and is open to more 'candidates.' This adds another layer of humor by humanizing the supervillain and insinuating he’s part of the dating scene, seeking partners in a humorously formal and methodical manner.
Lastly, the meme might be funny to some due to its relatability. Many people find the challenges of dating and finding a romantic partner akin to a job search, where one must go through the process of interviews (dates) and often face rejection before finding the right match. Skeletor's candid expression of this sentiment parodies a reality that is often felt but seldom spoken about so bluntly. DATES ARE JUST INTERVIEWS FOR SEX UNTIL NEXT TIME NERDS ALSO ACCEPTING INTERVIEW APPLICANTS