Internet memes. You’ve probably seen them at least once or twice while scrolling on your phone. If not, you are likely living under a rock right now. You can get a good laugh as you unwind once you’re done unpacking and settling in your new place at Lucerne Grand.
But what exactly are internet memes? Why are they so globally widespread in the first place? Let’s dive deep into internet culture, history, and more.
What is a Meme?
An internet meme, or meme for short, is a cultural product (like a behavior, style, or idea) that spreads around the world. It now spreads mainly through popular social media apps, although earlier versions existed. Various digital forms of internet memes include videos, images, GIFs, and other trendy content.
History
The term “meme” originates in a 1976 book titled “The Selfish Gene” by Richard Dawkins as an effort to explain forms of cultural evolution, replication, and mutation (also known as memetics). Then, Mike Godwin coined the name “Internet meme” in 1993 to describe communities that post messages on things like message boards and early e-mail. The rise of modern social media apps like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and more made memes much more accessible and widespread. Today, memes are now known as a significant characteristic of the broader internet culture and are also a subject of academic research and study!
Marketing
The practice by companies to market a brand or product using internet memes is also known as “memetic marketing”. Internet memes are effective for the company because they allow them to spread their message and tailor products to their specific target audience. Although potentially effective, improper use of memes is criticized by the public as unfunny, unoriginal, or forced, which can negatively impact a brand.
Finances and Economics
Meme stocks are a modern phenomenon where stock values for companies rise greatly in a short period because of a flood of online interest and purchasing by investors. Additionally, internet memes have developed an association with “cryptocurrency”, which is a digital form of cash. Cryptocurrency has prompted comparisons between related terms, such as the differences between monetary markets and meme value.
