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We *bet* you have a favorite meme, right? Whether you find them on an Instagram feed or through your best friend, memes have become like greeting cards—easily exchanged, instantly mood-boosting and the best ones are cherished forever. During the current COVID-19 outbreak, the role of memes has become especially important, as we rely on them to turn our tears and anxiety into a chuckle and a deep breath. 

The origin of the meme
According to Smithsonian Magazine, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins created the term "meme" in the 1970s to define a certain spread of information: “Memes propagate themselves in the meme pool by leaping from brain to brain via a process which, in the broad sense, can be called imitation... They compete most of all for attention." The article continues to state that ideas, tunes, catchphrases and images are all ways memes propagate into people's minds. So, what makes a meme successful?

Virtual comfort
Memes have helped raise spirits during the coronavirus crisis because they supply a social platform for people to discuss serious current events in a lighter, more ironic tone. Plus, memes make us feel connected. "Daily routines are all we have right now, we can't go break that flow anymore," said Harry Cohen, a Pennsylvania college student. "My friends and I are making a little time capsule [through a] Google Photos album of memes and anything we do during this period so we can look back on it after quarantine."

"Reddit is my biggest sources of finding memes," said Arnav Misra, a Pennsylvania college student. "I think part of the reason we enjoy memes is because some memes present something that's relatable and comedic to everyone, like the pain of isolation in quarantine." 

Aine Pierre, a New Jersey high school student, agrees that memes have become a source of communication: "I think they're a part of our language and how we react to the world around us. It's easier to cope when you can put issues into a universal format that everyone understands." 

The good and the bad
While many memes are silly and harmless, others are the opposite. Andy Kumar, a college student in New Jersey, said, "It's almost impossible to avoid [memes], to be honest. And there's a mix of good and bad stuff, and both are impossible to avoid."

Elliott Nguyen, a college student in New Jersey, especially acknowledges that "some [memes] help dispel misinformation. Some give hope. Then, of course, there are ones that spread misinformation and promote hate." Nguyen added that it "depends on the meme. I try to avoid the negative ones and read ones that help make the situation feel less horrible by lightening it with humor." 

Memes can become historical artifacts and commentary, similar to a photograph or a political cartoon strip. But they also represent an emotional connection and a potential to spark conversation.

 "I guess comforting is a way of describing memes," said Kumar. "They do make you laugh, which can really take your mind off the bad stuff. " 

Are you living for memes right now? Let us know in the comments!

by Nancy Bowne | 4/14/2020