Meme
An Internet meme is a popular photo or video that is distributed virally. The difference with a normal viral is that the original is edited by different Internet users, creating new appearances. For example, by photoshopping an image or adding different texts all the time. The spread and keeping alive of such parodies happens mainly on social media and Internet forums.
The word meme is derived from the Greek mimesis, which means something like transmission or imitation. In memes, ideas, styles or behaviors are transmitted within a culture or subculture. Comparisons are sometimes made between memes and genetics: the species or family is kept alive by reproducing it, and with each new appearance, the guise takes on a slightly different form.
The motivation behind the creation and survival of memes is usually entertainment, but sometimes memes are created or kept alive with a particular central purpose. An example is the Ice Bucket Challenge, designed to raise awareness and funds for the disease ALS. Trying to create a meme can be a form of guerilla marketing.
Some examples of popular manifestations of memes:
- Image macro: a photograph that is provided with a witty text. Usually displayed in white letters at the top and bottom of the image. A subgenre within this phenomenon is that of Lolcats.
- Getting your picture taken in a particular pose, such as planking.
- A special hashtag on social media such as Twitter that users use to post witty comments.
- Videos in which users or groups perform a particular act, such as the Harlem Shake, Cup Song or Mannequin Challenge.
- Videos in which a particular challenge is taken up, then others are challenged, such as the already mentioned Ice Bucket Challenge.
When a company tries to generate attention for itself through a meme that catches on to news stories or current events it is called newsjacking.
