GenZ Memes and Viral Challenges

GenZ Memes

Dank Memes

• A type of meme that is intentionally absurd, ironic, or nonsensical
• Often uses humor, sarcasm, and pop culture references
• Can be images, videos, or pieces of text that are copied and spread rapidly online
• Examples: Grumpy Cat, Distracted Boyfriend, Overly Attached Girlfriend

Viral Challenges

• A type of internet phenomenon where people participate in a specific activity or dance
• Often starts on social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, or Instagram
• Can be silly, entertaining, or even raise awareness for social causes
• Examples: Ice Bucket Challenge, Mannequin Challenge, Floss Dance

Internet Trends

• Short-lived online phenomena that capture the attention of a large audience
• Can be a hashtag, a dance, a song, or even a type of clothing
• Often emerge and disappear quickly, with new trends replacing old ones
• Examples: VSCO girls, Ok Boomer, TikTok's Renegade Dance

Meme History

• Memes have been around since the early days of the internet (late 1990s)
• Initially started as image macros with humorous text overlays
• Evolved to include videos, GIFs, and other forms of media
• Influenced by internet subcultures, such as 4chan, Reddit, and social media platforms

Meme Communities

• Online groups that share, create, and participate in meme culture
• Can be found on social media platforms, forums, and dedicated websites
• Often have their own lingo, inside jokes, and references
• Examples: Reddit's r/dankmemes, 4chan's /b/ board, Discord servers for meme enthusiasts

GenZ Memes

Dank Memes

• Characterized by absurdity, irony, or nonsensical humor, often intended for comedic effect.
• Incorporate features like sarcasm and references to contemporary pop culture.
• Formats include images, videos, or text that undergo rapid online sharing and replication.
• Notable examples include iconic figures like Grumpy Cat, the Distracted Boyfriend meme, and the Overly Attached Girlfriend meme.

Viral Challenges

• Popular internet phenomena where individuals engage in specific activities or dance routines collectively.
• Primarily initiated and propagated through platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Activities can be humorous, entertaining, or designed to raise awareness for important social issues.
• Examples that gained widespread attention include the Ice Bucket Challenge, Mannequin Challenge, and the Floss Dance.

Internet Trends

• Defined as fleeting online phenomena that attract large audiences for a short time.
• Can manifest as hashtags, dance crazes, music, or even distinct fashion styles.
• Typically arise swiftly, becoming obsolete as new trends emerge and capture public interest.
• Representative examples are the VSCO girls trend, the phrase "Ok Boomer," and TikTok's Renegade Dance.

Meme History

• Memes originated in the late 1990s, marking the beginning of internet meme culture.
• Early memes were primarily image macros featuring humorous text overlays combined with pictures.
• Over time, the format has expanded to include videos, GIFs, and various digital media forms.
• The evolution of memes has been significantly shaped by internet subcultures including 4chan, Reddit communities, and social media networks.

Meme Communities

• Online groups dedicated to sharing, creating, and engaging with meme culture.
• Exist across various platforms, including social media sites, forums, and specific websites.
• Often characterized by unique jargon, inside jokes, and specific cultural references that bind community members.
• Prominent examples include Reddit's r/dankmemes community, 4chan's /b/ board, and Discord servers tailored for meme fans.

Test your knowledge of internet memes and viral challenges that swept the nation, from dank memes to viral dance crazes.