A specific meme has an assigned context or meaning that is intended to be implicitly understood by its viewer, and that meaning is taken seriously. The key feature of memes is their universality.
In the internet context, memes provide a simple method of sharing concepts and ideas en masse and are easily accessible and relatable to a broad audience. Merriam-Webster defines a meme as “an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture.” Incidentally, this concept of “spread” or transmission is where the concept of “viral” comes from. As the concept evolved, the definition became more specific. The word itself was first used in Richard Dawkins’ book on theories of human evolution, “ The Selfish Gene,” to refer to a unit of cultural transmission. Memes generally take the form of a recognizable image or GIF, usually with text superimposed, that tells a joke or makes a relatable reference to a particular experience.ĭespite their now-ubiquitous association with the internet and social media, the concept of memes originated in early twentieth-century sociology and evolutionary biology to explain how culture is passed down between generations. Memes can be broad in scope or contain content tailored to a specific group and its interests, such as law students and the cases they have read ( or should have read). They are shared between friends, coworkers, and even by businesses via social media. What is a Meme?Īnyone who has spent time online has undoubtedly come across a meme. Looking around various locations in his black suit and bolo tie, John Travolta is the subject of a form of shared cultural consciousness prevalent across the internet: memes.
JOHN TRAVOLTA GIF MEME GENERATOR SERIES
He is confused in the doll aisle of a toy store, confused about an answer on the TV show Jeopardy!, and even confused and alone inside the late-night diner in Edward Hopper’s famous painting, “ Nighthawks.” But these are not promotional trailers for a new HBO Max series or Netflix original movie.
0 kommentar(er)
