From Genesis to its Zenith: A Study on Evolution of Memes as a Mainstream Media Content
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58966/JCM20232214Keywords:
Memes, Evolution, Meta narratives, Humor, Virtual platformAbstract
Memes a form of low culture is very popular among the masses from the 1980s to the early 2022s. Since its reception they have gained widespread recognition and are liked by all. It molds the behavior and changes the mindsets and actions of society. It created a huge impact on the audience through different ideas, styles, or behaviors and spread from one person to another. Anything that is creating entertainment, fun, and hilarity on the internet and is enfolded in a layer of sarcasm, irony, or self-deprecation can be defined as a meme and it is reinterpreted, republished by anyone through eloquent message. The reflection of real-world emotions on a virtual platform that serves ideas of current urgency and set Meta narratives can be characterized as memes. Websites like knowyourmeme.com, memedump.com, memebase.com, 9gag.com etc. Work as an archival for the memes. One needs to understand the context that lies beneath the memes to get the jokes which are very much relevant and relatable among the person which is the main reason behind mass engagement of the audience. They are now also used by people to express their feelings or vent their frustration on pressing issues. They even help in taking pot-shots on some personality or an issue. Thus, a secondary data analysis was conducted to explore the evolution of memes from its inception to its culmination.
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