Let’s be honest—talking about toilet paper isn’t usually the start of a gripping conversation. But when you throw in generational humor, survival-level creativity, and a viral meme, suddenly everyone’s got something to say. That’s exactly what’s happening in this image making the rounds online. It boldly states, “Young people do not understand”, followed by four “levels” of toilet paper, ranging from the soft and fluffy to the downright rustic.
So, what level are you? Let’s break down these hilarious yet surprisingly relatable stages of bathroom essentials, and why they hit home for so many people.
The Evolution of Toilet Paper: More Than Just a Roll
Believe it or not, toilet paper hasn’t always been the plush, perforated wonder we know today. Across cultures and generations, people have used everything from leaves and bark to newspaper and corn cobs. Yes, really. And in this viral image, we’re given a cheeky representation of just how far—or how far back—we’ve come.
Each level in the image reflects a different material once used (or still used) for hygiene, with a clear nod to older generations and rural life where improvisation was key.
Level 1: The Modern Luxury – Tissue Paper
Let’s start with the soft stuff. Level 1 is the standard tissue paper we all know and love. It’s gentle, absorbent, and does exactly what it’s supposed to do—with minimal drama. Whether it’s 2-ply or ultra-soft 3-ply, this is the preferred choice for most people today. It’s the kind of comfort you don’t question until you suddenly don’t have it.
Think of this as the “first world comfort zone.” You’ll find it in homes, offices, hotels… and yes, it’s the stuff that mysteriously vanished from shelves during every global crisis.
Level 2: Roughing It With Tree Bark
Now, here’s where things get wild—Level 2 shows tree bark. Not exactly something you’d find in a restroom, right? But for folks living in rural or remote areas decades ago, bark was sometimes a necessity when modern paper products weren’t available. Sure, it’s not soft. In fact, it’s the opposite. But when nature calls and options are limited, people get resourceful.
Video : How Toilet Paper is Made
And let’s not forget, this was a time when survival trumped comfort. The bark might not pamper you, but it got the job done.
Level 3: Nature’s Grassroots Solution
Moving to Level 3, we see tall grass, likely lemongrass or a similar plant. This level screams “desperate times, desperate measures.” In many traditional societies, grass was used for cleaning simply because it was abundant and biodegradable. You’d just grab a bunch and… well, let’s just say it wasn’t a spa experience.
But here’s what’s funny: for older generations, this wasn’t weird at all. It was the norm. And for younger folks, it’s an eye-opener—proof that toilet paper wasn’t always just a trip to the store away.
Level 4: The Stickiest of Situations
Now we’ve hit rock bottom (pun intended). Level 4 features bamboo or sugarcane sticks—essentially the final frontier of non-paper hygiene. Used in the most rural or undeveloped places, these stiff, splinter-prone options were the only choice for people who had no access to paper or fabric.
This level earns a new kind of respect. It wasn’t about convenience. It was about necessity. If you’ve ever complained about running out of Charmin, just remember—someone out there had to make do with sticks.
Toilet Paper Grades: A Brief Modern Comparison
Let’s lighten the mood with a little breakdown of what “toilet paper grades” mean today. Because, yes, even modern paper has its hierarchy:
- 1-Ply Toilet Paper: Thin, economical, but not the softest. It’s common in public restrooms or budget-conscious households.
- 2-Ply Toilet Paper: The gold standard for most homes—soft, durable, and reasonably priced.
- 3-Ply Toilet Paper: Softer and stronger. It’s often labeled as “luxury” or “premium.”
- Ultra-Soft/Deluxe Paper: Think clouds in roll form. Often infused with lotion or fragrance.
- Recycled Toilet Paper: Eco-friendly and increasingly popular, though not always as soft.
Compared to Levels 2, 3, and 4 from the viral image? Even 1-ply feels like royalty.
Video : How To Always Have Something Funny To Say
The Generational Gap: Why Young People Don’t Understand
This meme isn’t just about toilet paper. It’s about how different life was just a few decades ago. Older generations learned to improvise, adapt, and survive with far less. They grew up using whatever was available, and to them, that was normal.
Fast forward to now, and many younger people can’t imagine a world without plush TP, air fresheners, and bidets. That’s the beauty of this meme—it’s a hilarious but humbling reminder of how far we’ve come and how much we take for granted.
Why This Image Resonates So Strongly
There’s a reason why this photo spread like wildfire online. It taps into nostalgia, survival humor, and a sense of shared human experience. Whether you laugh at it, nod in understanding, or cringe in disbelief, you’re engaging with something that connects generations.
Plus, who doesn’t love a little bathroom humor with a side of history?
Conclusion: A Soft Reminder with a Rough Past
So, what level are you? If you’re living the Level 1 life, consider yourself lucky. But also take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and resilience of those who didn’t have it so easy. This viral meme might seem silly on the surface, but it offers a powerful glimpse into the past—and a reminder that comfort is a luxury many once lived without.
Sometimes, a simple joke can spark big conversations. And sometimes, it’s the humble toilet paper that becomes the ultimate symbol of progress.
