Memes aren’t just silly photos passed around for quick laughs. Experts like digital anthropologist Giles Crouch see them as a tool for the “intercultural exchange of ideas and concepts.”
In an article for Medium, Crouch noted that memes can likewise provide a “great snapshot” of modern society, regardless of whether they remain relevant for years or just a few days or weeks.
You’ve likely seen a political meme or two and how it likely drew significant traction. People have used this seemingly innocuous tool to spread their beliefs about a country’s state of affairs, and for good reason.
A publication by Saint Mary’s University noted that memes can “compress complicated ideas into digestible pieces.” They then become easily shareable, for better or worse.
Experts agree that memes have a dark side. People can easily misinterpret them, especially those that are snarky in tone. Like diss tracks, they can also be weaponized to attack or disrespect someone.
For Utah State University computer science professor Dr. Nicholas Flann, they can potentially influence and even change someone’s behavior. The current state of technological advancements also plays a significant role.
“Memes thrive in the world because we have the internet and because we have advanced artificial intelligence (AI),” Dr. Flann told Utah State Magazine.
The strong influence on human behavior also makes memes an effective tool for spreading hate speech and disinformation. Many are disguised in dark humor, making them more presentable.
Dr. Flann says fake news memes “can kill off hard-won information” to the point where most people won’t consider it anymore. And there are potential dangers to that.
All good, bad, and ugly aside, memes are likely not going out of style anytime soon. Crouch believes they will continue to be a primary means of communication that can transcend cultures. They touch on almost every aspect of life.
“That simple meme is anything but,” Crouch wrote.
We’d like to hear from you, readers. Which of these memes stood out to you? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments!
