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What makes a meme?

#1



Matt²

So in the past we've had many recurring memes, some I've contributed to (GRUE!) and many others I / others on this forum had nothing to do with (double double rainbow, across the sky!), rickrolls, this is Sparta, etc etc

But what is it that MAKES a meme?

Is it just a catchy tune, phrase, animated gif, or is there a deeper "meme-ing" to them?

Also, name some of your favorite or more memorable memes


#2

Null

Null

I think the main factors in creating a meme are memorability, repeatability, adaptability, and most important of all, stupidity.


#3

CynicismKills

CynicismKills

Null said:
I think the main factors in creating a meme are memorability, repeatability, adaptability, and most important of all, stupidity.
Click to expand...
I'd say this pretty much covers it.

I've always been partial to the Courage Wolf / Bachelor Frog / Awkward Penguin variations myself.


#4



Chazwozel

Bump



#5

Fun Size

Fun Size

Well, Matt, when a mommy meme and a daddy meme love each other very much, and the mommy meme has maybe been drinking a little bit, then they get together and...well, there's some birds and been involved and maybe a leather mask and...you know, he does the thing with his stuff and...

Dammit dude, ask you parents this stuff.


#6

MindDetective

MindDetective

Memes are a social contagion. They result from rapid, broad filtration through our social network and differ only from something like a joke e-mail in that they mutate and are re-expressed as they spread. They can't change so fast as to become unrecognizable, however, and they appear to have a short half life that might be dependent on the size of the social network. In a lots of ways they really are like viruses but they mutate more quickly and consist of information, rather than biological material.

I know, I didn't really say anything that people probably don't already know, at least intuitively. But I am fascinated by networks and wanted to see if I could at least wrap my head around the question within the framework of social networks.


#7

Silver Jelly

Silver Jelly

Milhouse


#8

CynicismKills

CynicismKills

Silver Jelly said:
Milhouse
Click to expand...
Milhouse is not a meme.


#9



Matt²

CynicismKills;440718][QUOTE=Silver Jelly said:
Milhouse
Click to expand...
Milhouse is not a meme.[/QUOTE]

it just started


#10

CynicismKills

CynicismKills

Matt²;440725][QUOTE=CynicismKills;440718][QUOTE=Silver Jelly said:
Milhouse
Click to expand...
Milhouse is not a meme.[/QUOTE]

it just started[/QUOTE]

Milhouse is not a meme is a meme.


#11

Silver Jelly

Silver Jelly

CynicismKills;440726][QUOTE=Matt²;440725][QUOTE=CynicismKills;440718][QUOTE=Silver Jelly said:
Milhouse
Click to expand...
Milhouse is not a meme.[/QUOTE]

it just started[/QUOTE]

Milhouse is not a meme is a meme.[/QUOTE]

Yo, dawg.


#12

Allen who is Quiet

Allen, who is Quiet

CynicismKills said:
Milhouse is not a meme is a meme.
Click to expand...


#13

Null

Null



#14

CynicismKills

CynicismKills

Null said:
Click to expand...


#15

Cajungal

Cajungal

It all starts when Betty White calls Chuck Norris for a booty call. Nine months later, she gives birth to a litter of memes. She soon shoos them away from her nest and they scurry away to the internet. Those who are not eaten by large seabirds become memes.


#16

Gusto

Gusto

is it the power in his arms

is it his quest for gloryyyyy


#17

Cajungal

Cajungal

For the last time, Kevin, it's the titties.


#18

Gusto

Gusto

Oh.







Damn.


#19

CynicismKills

CynicismKills

Gusto said:
is it the power in his arms

is it his quest for gloryyyyy
Click to expand...
I am so glad I was not the only one to think of this after reading the titties IMEANTITLE.


#20

AshburnerX

AshburnerX

mr_thehun;440741][QUOTE=MindDetective said:
Memes are a social contagion. They result from rapid, broad filtration through our social network and differ only from something like a joke e-mail in that they mutate and are re-expressed as they spread. They can't change so fast as to become unrecognizable, however, and they appear to have a short half life that might be dependent on the size of the social network. In a lots of ways they really are like viruses but they mutate more quickly and consist of information, rather than biological material.

I know, I didn't really say anything that people probably don't already know, at least intuitively. But I am fascinated by networks and wanted to see if I could at least wrap my head around the question within the framework of social networks.
Click to expand...
Theres a psych/anthro/evolution lab at UBC that studies how Memes pass through social networks. It's really interesting research that I'm happy to say I had the opportunity to work with.

you can read more about it at Faculty Profile | UBC Psychology Department | University of British Columbia | Canada[/QUOTE]

I'd also recommend going out and playing Metal Gear Solid 2 (play MGS1 first if you haven't), if you want a more hands on approach to understanding memes. It's actually become coursework in many Meme related courses, as a case study on how they work and can be manipulated. After going back and looking at the game from that point of view, I actually began to understand just how masterful and intelligent Hideo Kojima actually is... and just how much of a fucking troll he is.


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