What is a meme & how does it work?

A meme is a concept or idea that spreads virally from person to person. The most popular memes are usually found on the internet and may be images, videos, phrases, or hashtags. They often convey a humorous point of view, cultural reference, or satirical message. How does a meme work?

When was meme first used?

In fact, author Richard Dawkins first used the word in his 1976 work The Selfish Gene. The book looked at evolution and used meme to describe an idea or behavior that spreads across people in a culture. When someone says meme nowadays, they're probably referring to an internet meme.

Why are memes identifiable?

Memes are identifiable because they are a widespread phenomenon. Most memes will be repeated and shared multiple times—you might even see multiple iterations of the same meme. They usually include some element of humor or sarcasm combined with a visual element that is culturally significant.

Can memes be abused?

Memes associated with religious or political ideas may also be abused, as in the case of religious cults or extremist groups, which can result in the death of individuals. Beneficial memes, on the other hand, could include those that promote human health and survival, such as memes associated with hygiene.