The disconnect for me happened when memes started being made for the masses and I don’t mean that in a “I liked them before they got popular!” way. I mean when they changed from being in-jokes to attempts at virality.
Does that make sense? Genuinely asking because I don’t know how exactly to phrase what I mean. Like a meme made for your group chat is an in-joke and one made “for the public” is…content. I’m not asking anyone to agree with me but I’m hoping my point is understood
[Edit] fixed autocorrect changing virality to vitality
Tbh, I’m not quite sure what you mean by, “attempts at vitality.” Unless, that’s a typo and you meant popularity. If that’s the case, then I suppose I understand even if I don’t necessarily agree that that’s the purpose of memes in general.
Autocorrect got me! I meant virality. Like they’re being made for the upvotes. To become viral and be seen by as many people as possible or to be monetized by a meme account on Instagram.
Alternative and in the same vein, people rush to make the obvious joke… Not because it’s a good joke or even one that has to be told. Just because they want to be the first one to say it
I think I largely agree with your broader point. The analogy I go to music. The difference is between drawing your largest possible audience within a niche versus trying to reach the largest possible audience with whatever has worked before. Very few people are actually creating or using them creatively. Most are just recreating or sharing what appeals to them.
Just because they want to be the first one to say it
Or rather because they want to be the first one to take part in the comedy ritual this time.
Not a fan of memes or jokes in titles/general for semi serious publications. Not entirely because srsbusinessonly but more clarity in communication. Leave the excessive meme usage for the science communicators in order draw the groans that sustain their life essence.
