Memes will never go out of style. There’s always at least one or two that will hit home for you, make you feel seen or triggered. And that relatability through memes has changed the way we communicate, according to licensed therapist Theodora Blanchfield.
As Blanchfield explains, sharing a joke through memes, for one, illustrates a shared perspective through humor. And from that, a strengthened connection can form.
“Sometimes a meme from a friend will hit my inbox, and I’ll feel a bit of surprise. ‘Wait, you feel that way too?? I never would have guessed,” she stated.
Memes have also become a form of expression. Since many of the most popular ones involve sarcasm, it enables you to communicate a less-desired feeling in a way that isn’t overly negative.
As Blanchfield points out, memes that address difficult-to-communicate themes can unload some of the burden of the heavy emotions involved.
Unsurprisingly, memes are a coping tool for many people. According to licensed psychologist and West Chester University professor Dr. Lynn Zubernis, it was most evident during the height of the pandemic in 2020.
“Several studies have found that seeking out and sharing memes that were high in emotional valence, humor, and relatability were effective ways of coping with anxiety during the pandemic, especially for more anxious individuals,” she wrote.
Overall, memes can capture the human experience in a single image with text on top. It’s why there will always be one for every emotion, life milestone, or the most mundane parts of one’s day.
“Being able to laugh in the midst of your own disappointment can make it just a little easier to deal with—and that’s where a meme just might help.” Dr. Zubernis wrote.
