Why Memes Are Popular
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Why Memes Are Popular

256
Why Memes Are Popular

People have always latched onto anything deemed “cool.” For our generation, it’s Chipotle, Apple and "memes." The last thing isn’t specific to our generation, but it has thrived through the invention of social media. I used to think of memes as those “Bad luck Brian” pictures with a caption. Now, memes are anything that can go viral. According to Martin Shervington, who wrote on the psychology of memes, defines them as “an element of culture or behavior that may be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, esp. imitation." Once things that could be transmitted via email, memes are available on every social network and therefore have grown in presence and popularity.

Andre the Giant Has a Posse” is one of the earliest memes but, unlike other memes, it hasn’t died yet. The 720-pound WWF wrestler is typically pictured with the caption “OBEY” beneath a stencil of his face. I had not known that this was also the face of the man who played Fezzik in "The Princess Bride," but I was familiar with the image. Regardless of the fact that I didn’t know the reference and I didn’t know the picture was considered a meme, the image is still on shirts, stickers and other objects that I frequently recognize. This is the nature of memes: something on the Internet that becomes popular among a group of people. These groups can be people with the same sense of humor, people born in the same decade or people who watch the same television shows.

Memes show the future of social media while still holding onto the past. I enjoy memes that make '90s kids remember what we used to think was cool. These memes, being specific to a time and group of people, often don’t stay popular for a while, but the transience of certain memes is the point of social media. The world is continually changing and thus social media content adapts to what’s “trending.” If you’ve been following the “Here Come Dat Boi” meme, then you know there are multiple images from different time periods of a similar frog on a unicycle. Memes like this can trigger past images of things we have seen even if we don’t remember seeing them. The subliminal familiarity of a meme contributes to their popularity.

The question of why memes are popular can be answered in the same way as a question of why anything gets popular. People want to relate to other people through emotions such as happiness or sadness, and social media allows those connections to happen on a larger scale. As social media expands to more platforms, the number of memes seems to increase due to the amount of available exposure. Social media does not spread them necessarily, but social media has aided in their development. Memes, when non-offensive or hateful, can be a great way to connect people from all over the world. If social media is a way to bring people together, then memes are just one tool in that process.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70900
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132481
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments