The Ultimate Meme Quiz

What is a Meme?

• A meme is a unit of cultural transmission, comparable to genes in biology, as described by Richard Dawkins.
• Memes are ideas, behaviors, or styles that are transmitted from person to person within a culture.

Internet Memes vs. Other Types of Memes

• Internet memes are a subset of memes that are transmitted through the internet.
• They are distinguished from other types of memes by their ability to spread rapidly and reach a large audience through online platforms.

Viral Memes

• According to Richard Dawkins, three factors contribute to a meme's virality:
  • High fidelity: The meme is easily copied and transmitted without distortion.
  • Longevity: The meme remains in the cultural environment for a long time.
  • Fecundity: The meme is able to spread quickly and reach a large audience.

Performative Memes

• A performative meme is a type of meme that is acted out or performed, rather than simply being a static image or piece of text.
• An example of a performative meme is the "Harlem Shake" dance challenge, which involved individuals creating and sharing their own videos performing the dance.

Successful Memes

• Memes that capture the popular zeitgeist tend to be the most successful because they tap into the prevailing cultural atmosphere and resonate with a large audience.
• These memes are often able to spread quickly and gain widespread popularity because they are relevant and relatable to a large number of people.