Meme

A meme is a concept or behavior that spreads from person to person. Examples of memes include beliefs, fashions, stories, and phrases. In previous generations, memes typically spread within local cultures or social groups. However, now that the Internet has created a global community, memes can span countries and cultures across the world. Memes that are propogated online are called "Internet memes."

Examples of behavioral Internet memes include using Facebook and checking email several times a day. While Facebook and email are now part of many people's daily life, both technologies are relatively new. They expanded through technological and social evolution to become commonplace in many cultures. Now Facebook and email, which are memes themselves, are common mediums used to spread Internet memes.

Another type of Internet meme is "chat slang," which includes acronyms and abbreviations used online. Over the past several years, Internet users have developed ways to communicate faster by creating new shorthand. Abbreviations like BTW and LOL are part of an entirely new lexicon created by Internet users. Emoticons, or text-based expressions, such as =) and :-P have become popular memes as well.

Internet memes may also be subjects, such as people or animals made popular by blogs or other websites. For example, a politician or celebrity involved in a public scandal may become an Internet meme thanks to numerous bloggers who publish their thoughts on the story. A household pet may even become a meme if it stars in a YouTube video that goes viral. These types of Internet memes are typically short-lived, but they are part of the larger meme of social networking, in which people participate in online communities.

Updated November 28, 2011 by Per C.

quizTest Your Knowledge

Which term describes posting brief and often frequent updates online?

A
Microsharing
0%
B
Microblogging
0%
C
Microframing
0%
D
Microzoning
0%
Correct! Incorrect!     View the Microblogging definition.
More Quizzes →

The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary

The definition of Meme on this page is an original definition written by the TechTerms.com team. If you would like to reference this page or cite this definition, please use the green citation links above.

The goal of TechTerms.com is to explain computer terminology in a way that is easy to understand. We strive for simplicity and accuracy with every definition we publish. If you have feedback about this definition or would like to suggest a new technical term, please contact us.

Sign up for the free TechTerms Newsletter

How often would you like to receive an email?

You can unsubscribe or change your frequency setting at any time using the links available in each email.

Questions? Please contact us.