At this point in time, anyone who’s ever used the internet has likely encountered memes; nowadays, they’re so widespread, it’s difficult not to. Covering nearly any and every topic there is, they provide a much-needed giggle in an often uneventful day or even work as social glue, allowing friends and family to keep in touch by exchanging humorous posts.
The popularity of memes is likely the main reason behind quite an impressive number of meme-based pages and social media accounts dedicated to such a form of artistic expression. Today we’re focusing on one of them, an Instagram account titled ‘Girls Think I’m Funny’, which has amassed more than 1.6 million followers with their amusing content. Scroll down to find some of their best memes on the list below and see if there’s something you can relate to or have a good laugh at.
In order to learn more about why we enjoy memes as much as we do and the significance of the messages they might convey, Bored Panda got in touch with Alex Turvy, internet culture and memes researcher at Tulane University, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions. You will find his thoughts in the text below.
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“Memes started off as an idea by a biologist who thought they were like cultural genes, spreading and changing as they moved from person to person,” internet culture and memes researcher Alex Turvy of Tulane University told Bored Panda, referring to the very beginning of the now widespread internet phenomenon.
“As the internet grew, so did memes. They became a way for people to share jokes, ideas, and comments about what's happening in the world.”
That’s because, according to the expert, memes are more than just humor. “They're a way for people to express their thoughts, connect with others who think the same way, or even make a point about something important,” he said.
Some statistics suggest that an average millennial, for instance, views roughly 20-30 memes a day, which calls for an assumption that there must be something relatable or enthralling about them.
According to Alex Turvy, there are three main reasons why we tend to connect to memes as much as we do, the first one being that they speak our language. “Memes often use humor or familiar situations to talk about things we all understand, making it easy for us to connect with them.”
Another reason people tend to connect with memes is the power of inside jokes. “Knowing and understanding a meme can make us feel part of a group. It's a way of signaling who you are and what you value through what makes you laugh and what sorts of jokes you understand,” Turvy explained.
He also suggested that memes can say a lot with a little—another reason we view and share them. “Memes can pack a lot of meaning into something really simple. This makes them powerful in getting a point across quickly.”
Even though quite a lot of people can relate to memes, they don’t necessarily all relate to or enjoy the same ones. In order for a person to consider a meme a really good one, it has to hit the right note, as the expert pointed out, saying that a good meme needs to have the right mix of humor, idea, and style that makes sense to people who view it.
Another sign of an attention-worthy meme, according to Turvy, is when they spark sharing and remixing. “The best memes are those that people want to share and maybe even change a bit or riff on to make their own. Memes tend to encourage ongoing participation, which helps them spread.”
He added that good memes also tend to reflect what’s going on around us; they relate to what's happening in the world or in popular culture, making them timely and relevant.
Probably like every High School student ever, I thought our Principal was an idiot. It was interesting attending a graduation event about 10 years later and having him confirm that, in fact, he was an idiot.
Because of how multifaceted memes are, they can benefit people in numerous ways. “By looking at memes, we can get a sense of what people are thinking or feeling about current events or trends,” Alex Turvy pointed out, adding that such a form of internet content can help us feel connected to others who share our sense of humor or views.
He also emphasized that memes are more than just laughs, noting that while they are fun, they can also make us think about things in a new way or understand a different perspective.
I'm a minus 10 but please do talk to the stranger next to me so I can listen in..
In addition to all the fun and comfort relatable memes bring, they can also be used for far less noble purposes. That is why the expert of internet culture and memes suggests thinking critically when it comes to such imagery, which can actually be harmful messages in disguise.
“While memes can often come off as funny, relatable, or even nonsensical, it’s also important to think about how as simple forms of communication they can communicate harmful stereotypes or ideologies. Memes can be an easy and fluid way of sharing dangerous or hateful ideas.”
Turvy also pointed out that what looks like not much but an image with a witty caption can actually be a hotbed for misinformation. “Memes can also be a sneaky way to spread false information. Since they're usually funny or lighthearted, people might not take them as seriously as a news article.
“We often let our guard down with memes and don't question what they're saying. It's like getting tricked into believing something because it was presented in a joke. This is especially risky when memes make light of serious issues or twist facts.”
I can't get my cat 2 leave me alone. She's up my a*s 24/7. But I luv just the same
Another reason why it’s crucial to use critical thinking when viewing memes is that they might work as echo chambers or be used to strengthen confirmation bias. “Memes often get shared within groups of people who think alike. This can create an echo chamber where only one point of view is seen and shared.
“It's like being in a room where everyone agrees with you—it feels good, but you don't get to hear other perspectives. This can strengthen confirmation bias, where we only pay attention to information that supports our existing beliefs and ignore anything that doesn't,” Turvy explained.
So many people try to project a Gucci life on a goodwill budget. Especially on Instagram
Such a form of internet content can also have a big impact on public opinion and culture. “Since they're so easy to consume and share, memes can quickly influence what people think about current events or social issues,” the expert told Bored Panda. “It's important to be aware of this power and think about the messages we're spreading when we share a meme.”
In order to counter the issues that can arise from the vast usage of memes, it’s important to look beyond the humorous surface and consider the message that’s being communicated. “Is it spreading false information? Is it harmful to certain groups of people? Thinking critically about memes can help prevent the spread of misinformation and negative stereotypes,” Turvy said.
So true. Our plastic Christmas tree has been with us for ages. (what once was clear white tape is now very very brown opaque tape)
As i sit here reading wide awake and envious of 3 cartoon kittys snugged under a warm quilt.
While it’s important to view memes critically, some of them provide some much-needed hearty laughter without any malicious intentions, which the images on this list might have already done. So, if you’d like to continue browsing similar content, open up Bored Panda’s category dedicated to memes and memes only, and continue the giggling session.
Nothing like sitting on a weapons stockpile that could shame the US, yet restoring to tossing rocks at a boss enemy because you might never get those weapons back and maybe there's some sort of bonus for doing it the hard way. (Sadly there's a few games that DO reward stupidity like that.)
This happened to me in a grilled chicken place in San Francisco. My roommate and I blithely ordered some grilled chicken breasts, and the two guys behind the counter looked appalled. We waited, and waited and waited…. only to realize that one of the guys had to run to the grocery store first. We probably would have gotten faster service if we had just asked for cocaine, like everyone else in the neighborhood. But the chicken was actually pretty tasty.
It makes sense. Most lifeforms are more concerned about reproduction and evolutionary improvement. When we're born our bodies are already looking for the "next best thing..."
All the frickin time .. my counsellor called it self induced hyper vigilance
Speaking from experience: Parents, if your kid hates their therapist at 12 years old, for the love of god find a different therapist, before that therapist gives your kid a broken nose. Again, speaking from experience.
Been a while since I’ve had 9 inches. Sad face.
Load More Replies...That's the entire point. You can cancel plans because of snow and stay inside cozy and comfy and avoiding people. Beautiful to watch and no pressure to be out doing things.
My boyfriend fixes traffic lights and he takes a 0 tolerance approach to office people (me) expressing any regard for sub zero temperatures.
Same to anyone that likes enough heat to cook an egg outside. Take away the air conditioner and cold lemonade and go outside :p
Bears hibernate during the winter. I would also like to hibernate like a bear. Wake me up when Spring comes.
Well, winter is still better than summer. Go outside in 100+ degrees F weather, especially in humid places. That is not fun.
I will take a hot humid summer day over -30c any day. Because no, you can’t “dress for” cold that makes your nostrils freeze together when you breath in and then the hairs tug apart when you breath out…
Load More Replies...I think that describes the atmosphere that winter brings which is pretty valid. Like liking summer for te bonfires you can do at night
-22 C here today, just got back from my refreshing hour-long cross-country ski practice :)
See, where I live, I can experience winter indoors just fine. It's -32F/-35.5C and the frost is accumulating around the window edges and already has come into the outside door seam and lock. No socks or tea but cuddly cat and heavy comforter!
"People be like..." Really. I enjoy having seasons, and live in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. We know winter here. I have a career and the resources to live anywhere, I will stay here until I retire cuz I enjoy sledding, cross country skiing, ice fishing, and bashing my lifted Tahoe through the snow like a 470hp open sleigh. "People be like...". Jeezus wept, that doesn't even make sense. Not all of us live in South Central.
I can't stand it! Most miserable season of the 4. Cold, accidents on the roads, Backbreaking shoveling/snow blowing sidewalks/driveways....I could go on.
After a Summer of continuous 110 plus degree heat, a cold Winter is quite nice.
I love all 4 seasons and when it's winter, I want snow! I'll be outside shoveling a path for my dogs if you need me.
The description for "I love winter" is totally correct. It's the only way to live with all the snow.
I live in Florida, I love winter. Not winter enough this year, middle of January and the mosquitos are still buzzing around.
But we like it BECAUSE we like sipping our hot tea in our cozy socks under our heated blankie, silly! (mind you, my preference is mid spring and laaaate fall. Not too hot, not too cold.)
Yeah we had -40 C/F last week. Water pipes frozen, electricity 2.60€ / kWh. Winter is fun.
I mean, yeah. You can't comfortably do that stuff when it's 90° outside 🤷♀️
Where I live, winter is BBQ, picnics, park season. Love Winters.....
Living in the 60 degree winter of Arizona. Definitely love it.
I hate the cold but I love the vibe. There's something about walking down a brisk winter morning after a snow bundled up with 2 jackets, a coat, beanie and scarf while holding a hot cup of chocolate
Around here the hot chocolate would be cold after half a block!
Load More Replies...I do, because I can dress as warm as needed, unlike in summer when I can't get cooler by ripping my skin off
And shovel a bunch of snow! That's the real test of how much people like winter.
I don't mind it. But you're right, would rather be indoors looking out at it. It's so pretty!
I love the snow, the noise it makes when the flakes are falling and running through untouched fields. And our dog girl loves it, too. Digging and rolling in the snow, licking ice and catching snow balls we throw at her.... THEN comes the part with tea and treats and dry comfy clothes with a blanket on the sofa all three of us cuddling.
I'm excited for winter, we finally have enough snow to properly ski on.
I am not a fan of winter. It looks pretty and all but gives me so much anxiety, pain and other health issues that I'm just done with it all.
I used to get excited by snow, now I'm too old. No wait! it was a couple of years back when I realised I couldn't afford to heat my home any more.
I say I love winter with my window open as I sleep at night with a fan on. Also with no socks in the basement that is 8 degrees F colder than the rest of the house. Finally, kneeling in a foot of snow in my light pajamas with no socks and Crocs for a hot minute as I have a mental breakdown 😃 I'm fine
This is my time. Heading below zero, my body hates warmth, I wear shorts 90% of the time and central heating is wasted on me, if I didn’t share my home with a 13 year old girl I’d have next to no heating on, she prefers warmth, lightweight! Snow due next week and it’s perfect.
Then you have to decide, do you flush 27 hours of play and reroll or shuffle on as you are.
I had a coworker with kids and a spouse who didn't work. I never understood how they survived.
Just getting us to selling our body part. Have you seen what kidney gets on the black market?
Being *poor. Unless you’re saying that El*n M*sk is not an adult, which is an assertion that I can get behind.
Note: this post originally had 93 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Stay warm! Polar winds are no joke! Love y'all and I hope you have a great rest of your day! 😊
Yeah I'm in bed freezing but can't move bc 2 of my cats are cuddled up on me sleeping like the sweet babies they are, but I also really need to pee as well
Load More Replies...Stay warm! Polar winds are no joke! Love y'all and I hope you have a great rest of your day! 😊
Yeah I'm in bed freezing but can't move bc 2 of my cats are cuddled up on me sleeping like the sweet babies they are, but I also really need to pee as well
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