If you think memes are just for entertainment and laughs, think again. Several studies have found that memes actually help students when it comes to learning.
For example, this 2025 research paper concluded that “effective use of meme media can increase learning interest and critical thinking, changing the dynamics of lectures to be more interactive and relevant.”
It notes that memes help to generate interest and prompt students to hone their critical thinking skills through analysis and interpretation. “Memes proved able to break the monotony, make the material more relevant, and encourage students' emotional and cognitive engagement,” reads the paper.
A separate study looked at whether integrating meme-making into classes can help students better understand the subject matter. And it turns out, it can. The researchers focused mainly on forensic science students. They asked students from 6 universities to produce a meme that reflected something they had learnt within their teaching session. The memes were then shared to enhance collective learning.
The researchers said that most students found the activity to be both fun and relevant. And many felt it helped them remember and reflect on class content. In conclusion, the paper noted that "Meme-making is a contemporary, innovative way to introduce technology and humour into Higher Education while letting students reflect on their learnt knowledge."
Meanwhile, over at the Ateneo de Manila University, a recent study concluded that using internet memes to teach science can significantly improve learning outcomes for senior high school students.
More than 200 Filipino Grade 11 private high school students took part in the study. They were divided into two groups. In the experimental classes, teachers gave biology lessons infused with memes. In the control classes, students received traditional teaching materials without any meme content.
"Over a five-week period, both groups were taught complex topics including cellular division and genetics, with the experimental group also engaging in activities like creating their own memes related to the lessons," explains phys.org.
Researchers then used a combination of pre-tests and post-tests to evaluate each student's understanding of the material. Some might find the results quite surprising...
"Students who were taught with memes scored 21 percent higher on their post-tests than those who were taught without memes, with an average of 21.46 correct answers versus just 17.74 for the control group," reports the site.
Surveys also showed that the "meme-ified" group developed more positive attitudes toward biology, and even showed more confidence when it came to grasping and applying scientific concepts.
"Overall, the use of memes helped reduce anxiety related to the subject and made the learning process more enjoyable and memorable," noted the researchers, who say that the study highlights the potential of memes to make complex topics more approachable.
The various studies seem to show that, in this day and age, memes aren't just about fun and entertainment. They can also offer a creative and innovative way to connect with not only Gen Z learners, but the older students who are finding their way in a digital world.
So next time your teacher calls you out for scrolling through a bunch of memes instead of paying attention in class, feel free to direct them to some research that proves you're actually learning more than they might think.
