If you've spent any time online over the last few weeks, you've probably seen a video featuring a man walking up to strangers and telling his "computer" or "computa" to perform various actions on them in a series of viral prank videos.

The “Computer, Turn X Into Y” meme, sometimes called “Computer (or Computa) Guy,” stems from a series of viral TikTok pranks in which a man pretends to command an invisible computer (his Ray-Ban Camera Glasses) to alter reality.

In the clips, the creator dramatically issues commands like, “Computer, make this guy smile,” or “Computer, activate intense focus session,” directing the instructions toward unsuspecting strangers nearby.

The absurd premise and deadpan delivery quickly turned the phrase into a recognizable meme format across TikTok in early 2026.

So, how did this whole thing start, and how are people using it in memes of their own? Let's explain.

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore #computa ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

Where Does the ‘Computer, Turn X Into Y’ Meme Come From?

The “Computer, Turn X Into Y” meme originates from TikTok creator Julius Mondragon (@okjuskiii), who began posting videos in the format in January 2026.

The skits are filmed using Ray-Ban camera glasses, giving the videos a first-person perspective as Mondragon approaches strangers around Chicago, and issues commands to his imaginary “computer.”

In these clips, he treats the world like a command-line interface, instructing the computer to perform actions on nearby people.

Mondragon posted the first known video in the format on January 10th, 2026. In the clip, he approaches a stranger and declares, “Computer, activate CBT,” though the post only received modest attention.

Over the following days, Mondragon continued experimenting with the format, gradually refining the style and delivery that would later become recognizable as part of the meme.

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore #admin0 #theprgrammer #computa ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

"Computer, Turn X Into Y" Usage In Memes

As Julius Mondragon continued posting videos nearly every day over the following weeks, the format became increasingly recognizable online and locally in Chicago.

According to a profile by the Chicago Tribune, the creator had begun to develop a reputation among residents, with some people reportedly recognizing and avoiding the “Computer Guy” during filming.

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore #funny #computa #theprogrammer ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

As Mondragon’s videos spread across TikTok, the phrasal template, “Computer, turn X into Y,” began appearing in posts made by other creators using the same format.

In these clips, users issue exaggerated “commands” to an imaginary computer, usually directing the instruction at nearby people or situations.

@urmomsajoe69 ts frying me cause i came into my college halls crazy as hell 😭 i LOVE that video cause it was camp omg but this one kinda got dicey like why was i about to get hit COMPUTA??? 💀 #gay #college #prank #omega #fyp ♬ original sound – urmomsajoe69

The humor often comes from the absurdity of treating real life like a programmable system, with commands that instantly alter someone’s mood, behavior or personality.

@okjuskiii #fyp #computer #richoffcomputer ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

What Are Some Other "Computer, Turn X Into Y" Memes?

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore #computa ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore #computa #richoffcomputer ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

@okjuskiii #fyp #explore #computa #richoffcomputer ♬ original sound – okjuskiii

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For the full history of Computa, Make X Into Y or Computer Guy meme, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.