“Memes started off as an idea by a biologist who thought they were like cultural genes, spreading and changing as they moved from person to person,” internet culture and memes researcher Alex Turvy of Tulane University told Bored Panda, referring to the very beginning of the now widespread internet phenomenon.
“As the internet grew, so did memes. They became a way for people to share jokes, ideas, and comments about what's happening in the world.”
That’s because, according to the expert, memes are more than just humor. “They're a way for people to express their thoughts, connect with others who think the same way, or even make a point about something important,” he said.
Some statistics suggest that an average millennial, for instance, views roughly 20-30 memes a day, which calls for an assumption that there must be something relatable or enthralling about them.
According to Alex Turvy, there are three main reasons why we tend to connect to memes as much as we do, the first one being that they speak our language. “Memes often use humor or familiar situations to talk about things we all understand, making it easy for us to connect with them.”
Another reason people tend to connect with memes is the power of inside jokes. “Knowing and understanding a meme can make us feel part of a group. It's a way of signaling who you are and what you value through what makes you laugh and what sorts of jokes you understand,” Turvy explained.
He also suggested that memes can say a lot with a little—another reason we view and share them. “Memes can pack a lot of meaning into something really simple. This makes them powerful in getting a point across quickly.”
Even though quite a lot of people can relate to memes, they don’t necessarily all relate to or enjoy the same ones. In order for a person to consider a meme a really good one, it has to hit the right note, as the expert pointed out, saying that a good meme needs to have the right mix of humor, idea, and style that makes sense to people who view it.
Another sign of an attention-worthy meme, according to Turvy, is when they spark sharing and remixing. “The best memes are those that people want to share and maybe even change a bit or riff on to make their own. Memes tend to encourage ongoing participation, which helps them spread.”
He added that good memes also tend to reflect what’s going on around us; they relate to what's happening in the world or in popular culture, making them timely and relevant.
Because of how multifaceted memes are, they can benefit people in numerous ways. “By looking at memes, we can get a sense of what people are thinking or feeling about current events or trends,” Alex Turvy pointed out, adding that such a form of internet content can help us feel connected to others who share our sense of humor or views.
He also emphasized that memes are more than just laughs, noting that while they are fun, they can also make us think about things in a new way or understand a different perspective.
In addition to all the fun and comfort relatable memes bring, they can also be used for far less noble purposes. That is why the expert of internet culture and memes suggests thinking critically when it comes to such imagery, which can actually be harmful messages in disguise.
“While memes can often come off as funny, relatable, or even nonsensical, it’s also important to think about how as simple forms of communication they can communicate harmful stereotypes or ideologies. Memes can be an easy and fluid way of sharing dangerous or hateful ideas.”
Turvy also pointed out that what looks like not much but an image with a witty caption can actually be a hotbed for misinformation. “Memes can also be a sneaky way to spread false information. Since they're usually funny or lighthearted, people might not take them as seriously as a news article.
“We often let our guard down with memes and don't question what they're saying. It's like getting tricked into believing something because it was presented in a joke. This is especially risky when memes make light of serious issues or twist facts.”
Another reason why it’s crucial to use critical thinking when viewing memes is that they might work as echo chambers or be used to strengthen confirmation bias. “Memes often get shared within groups of people who think alike. This can create an echo chamber where only one point of view is seen and shared.
“It's like being in a room where everyone agrees with you—it feels good, but you don't get to hear other perspectives. This can strengthen confirmation bias, where we only pay attention to information that supports our existing beliefs and ignore anything that doesn't,” Turvy explained.
Such a form of internet content can also have a big impact on public opinion and culture. “Since they're so easy to consume and share, memes can quickly influence what people think about current events or social issues,” the expert told Bored Panda. “It's important to be aware of this power and think about the messages we're spreading when we share a meme.”
In order to counter the issues that can arise from the vast usage of memes, it’s important to look beyond the humorous surface and consider the message that’s being communicated. “Is it spreading false information? Is it harmful to certain groups of people? Thinking critically about memes can help prevent the spread of misinformation and negative stereotypes,” Turvy said.