What is Kek Theory?
“Kek theory,” often simply referred to as the “Cult of Kek” or “Kekism,” is an internet-based, satirical “religion” or meme ideology that emerged from online gaming and 4chan communities around 2015–2016. It revolves around the worship of “Kek,” an ancient Egyptian deity reimagined through memes as a god of chaos, darkness, and “meme magic.” At its core, it’s a blend of irony, trolling, and pseudo-spiritual beliefs that claim memes can influence real-world events. While it started as a joke among gamers and anonymous posters, it gained notoriety for its ties to alt-right politics, white nationalism, and conspiracy-laden narratives during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Below, I’ll break it down step by step, including its origins, key elements, and cultural impact.