The Science of Memes

Defining memes and their impact on us as a people.

I think it is fascinating how memes have had such a large impact on today’s generation. For instance, my brother can spend hours staring at his phone, scrolling through memes and never lose interest. From my perspective, I see him scrolling through pictures with words on them. Yet, somehow these images keep his eyes glued to the screen, and he is constantly laughing. Not only that, but he constantly will reference these memes with his friends, and they will laugh endlessly.

Because I am typically left confused watching these interactions take place, it is very interesting to read articles like Shontavia Johnson’s, which trace the roots of memes and explain their functioning in our society. To be honest, memes seem like such an ever-changing mode of communication between the photo and viewer, that it seems impossible to me to define or explain a meme. However, in Johnson’s article, she says this about memes:

… A meme is a similar packet of cultural information. According to Dawkins, when one person imitates another, a meme is passed to the imitator, similar to the way blue eyes are passed from parents to children through genes.

This is an interesting concept; a meme is a “packet of cultural information.” And, it is most certainly true. For example, my generation grew up watching Spongebob Squarepants. Spongebob photos, episodes, and quotes are some of the best material for a successful meme. And, that is because, first of all, almost everyone. in my generation. understands Spongebob.  So, the meme is easily off to a good start because it appeals to the culture of a twenty year old’s childhood.

With that said, I completely agree with Johnson’s statement. I also believe, though, that one has to be careful with approaching memes from a studious or academic standpoint. While Johnson made some great points, she also described memes as these competitive images that go against each other in an effort to be at the top; she even used a photo of two bucks fighting to demonstrate what she seems to think are violent interactions between memes.

However, in the same way that not just one book can be the greatest book, there is not one meme that can be the greatest meme. While memes serve a general purpose of entertainment, memes can be simple or very complicated. They can reference movie or tv quotes; they can reference fictional characters; and they can even dip into more serious topics like religion and politics. Some memes are light, and others have rather dark humor.

The point is that there is such a range of things that memes can do that it doesn’t seem fair to not only group them together like they are essentially the same, but for Johnson to also say that they go against each other makes little sense. The Miami Dolphins and the Pirates are both sports teams, but they don’t play against each other.

Memes are imperative to our culture today. Being that most of us now live part of our lives on digital media, they are what makes the “digital life” entertaining. And, as some would say, memes have become a part of our “universal language.” However, they do not really compete against each other the same way that words don’t compete with each other.

We speak without really thinking, and we connect to memes that make us laugh. Sometimes, there isn’t more to read into. This is not to say there is no science behind the meme. Obviously, there is because everything starts somewhere. However, describing memes almost like they are these living creatures that strive to survive seems ironically a little too technical and serious for the role that they play. Smithsonian Magazine reported:

Like genes, memes have effects on the wide world beyond themselves. In some cases (the meme for making fire; for wearing clothes; for the resurrection of Jesus), the effects can be powerful indeed. As they broadcast their influence on the world, memes thus influence the conditions affecting their own chances of survival.

Are they sophisticated? Many of them are, yes! Many of them are very clever, too. But, trying to predict their rate of survival somewhat takes the fun out of enjoying the meme for what it is.

To the scholar who wants to do research on memes, be sure not to set a final definition for memes. They are wild and ever-changing. Additionally, people find more and more ways to communicate through memes, and these ideas constantly change how memes work and are explained. There is barely a form or structure, but, more importantly, what there is is a reaction. I think that may be worth noting.