{"slug":"modern-problems-require-modern-solutions","name":"Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions","alternateFormats":[{"slug":"modern-problems-require-modern-solutions-blank","label":"Blank Template"}],"url":"/templates/modern-problems-require-modern-solutions.jpg","w":680,"h":511,"top":"UNCONVENTIONAL SOLUTION","bottom":"MODERN PROBLEMS REQUIRE MODERN SOLUTIONS","description":"Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions. The tapping-temple energy of someone who just found a workaround that's technically not wrong. Make your own unconventional solution meme.","keywords":"modern problems modern solutions meme, dave chappelle meme, tapping head meme, unconventional solution meme, life hack meme","year":2019,"origin":"From a 2019 sketch on Chappelle's Show. Dave Chappelle taps his temple while delivering the line \"Modern problems require modern solutions,\" implying that creative (often absurd) thinking is needed for today's challenges. The gesture is identical to the Roll Safe meme (tapping temple = clever idea) but the tone is different. Roll Safe presents bad ideas as smart. Modern Problems presents genuinely unconventional workarounds that happen to work. The meme surged on Reddit and Twitter for any creative solution that technically solves the problem, even if the method is questionable. For bad ideas presented as genius, see Roll Safe. For solutions that completely backfire, see Gru's Plan.","format":"classic","howToMake":["Dave Chappelle is ready to endorse your unconventional thinking","Top text describes the creative, absurd, or technically-not-wrong solution to a problem. Bottom text delivers \"MODERN PROBLEMS REQUIRE MODERN SOLUTIONS\" as the justification","The best versions feature solutions that are logically sound but socially, professionally, or morally dubious. The key is that the solution works. It just shouldn't","White Impact with black outline over the simple background. The image is clean, so text reads easily. Keep the solution description punchy","Problem solved (questionably). Download the PNG or Share your innovative approach with anyone who might try it themselves"],"exampleCaptions":["CAN'T FIND A BOOKMARK SO I JUST NEVER CLOSE THE BOOK","MODERN PROBLEMS REQUIRE MODERN SOLUTIONS"],"exampleAltText":"Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions meme about never closing a book instead of using a bookmark","exampleRefreshDate":"2026-03-05","seo":{"aliases":["Chappelle Modern Solutions","Modern Solutions Meme","Dave Chappelle Temple Tap","Unconventional Solutions Meme","Modern Problems Meme"],"description":"Dave Chappelle leans back with the posture of a man who has just solved a problem in a way that nobody expected and few would endorse. His finger presses to his temple. The expression says: \"Think about it. It works.\" And the uncomfortable truth is, it does work. It's just not how anyone would recommend doing it.","definition":"Dave Chappelle tapping his temple while stating \"Modern problems require modern solutions.\" Used for any creative workaround, life hack, or unconventional approach that technically solves the problem, even if the method raises eyebrows.","useCases":[{"category":"Life Hacks That Shouldn't Work","examples":["Can't find the TV remote so you download the remote app on your phone / Modern solutions","Don't want to fold laundry so you live out of the dryer / Modern problems require modern solutions","No clean plates so you eat over the sink like an animal / Solved","Can't wake up early so you never go to sleep / Technically a solution","No wrapping paper so you put the gift in a grocery bag and call it \"eco-friendly packaging\""]},{"category":"Work & Productivity Shortcuts","examples":["Don't want to attend the meeting so you schedule a conflicting meeting / Modern solutions","Can't think of a password so you use the \"forgot password\" link every single time","Reply-all problem? Never check email / Modern problems require modern solutions","Boss wants a status update? Send yesterday's update with today's date / Technically current","Can't find the bug in your code? Delete the feature / Problem solved"]},{"category":"Social & Relationship Strategies","examples":["Don't want to make plans? Always say \"let me check my calendar\" and never check / Modern solutions","Forgot someone's name? Call everyone \"buddy\" or \"hey you\" indefinitely","Don't want to split the bill? Offer to pay next time and make sure there is no next time / Modern problems require modern solutions","Avoid awkward conversations by always wearing headphones, even if nothing is playing"]},{"category":"Technology Workarounds","examples":["WiFi too slow? Stand closer to the router like it's a campfire / Modern solutions","Phone storage full? Take a screenshot of your photos and delete the originals / Wait","Laptop overheating? Balance it on two books for airflow / Engineering","Printer won't connect? Email the document to yourself and print from another computer / Modern problems, modern solutions","Can't remember which streaming service has the show? Subscribe to all of them and cancel later / Modern economics"]},{"category":"Cooking & Food Solutions","examples":["No oven mitt? Use a folded towel and hope for the best / Modern solutions","Don't want to do dishes? Eat directly from the pot / Zero dishes created","No measuring cups? Estimate everything and call it \"cooking by feel\" / Chef energy","Recipe calls for buttermilk you don't have? Google \"buttermilk substitute\" and feel like a scientist / Modern problems require modern solutions","Can't decide what to eat? Order from two restaurants and eat whichever arrives first / Problem solved"]},{"category":"Finance & Shopping Logic","examples":["Can't afford the thing? Open a new credit card with 0% APR and become future-you's problem / Modern solutions","Don't want to pay for shipping? Add more items until you hit the free shipping threshold / Technically saving money","Can't find a coupon? Ask the cashier if they have one. The audacity is the coupon / Modern problems","Budget too tight? Stop looking at the budget / If you can't see it, it's not real"]}]}}