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Evolutionary Concept of Memes
Proponents theorize that memes are viral phenomena that evolve through natural selection, akin to biological evolution.[8] Memes undergo processes analogous to variation, mutation, competition, and inheritance, each of which affects a meme's reproductive success. Memes spread based on the behavior they generate in their hosts, and memes that propagate less prolifically may go extinct, while others mutate and thrive.
Like genes, memes that replicate most effectively enjoy more success, even when detrimental to their hosts.[9] Successful memes that survive longer or mutate less prolifically become more influential in shaping societal behavior, culture, and ideologies.
Internet Memes and Cultural Impact
In the age of the internet, memes have become a pivotal component of digital culture. Memes, particularly those spread via social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit, are a form of self-replicating digital content that evolve as users remix and reinterpret images, videos, or phrases. These internet memes often encapsulate current social or political phenomena, offering commentary or satire on contemporary events. Memes can rapidly go viral, shaping public discourse, influencing political movements, and building online communities united by shared cultural references .
Memetics: The Study of Memes
A field of study called memetics[12] emerged in the 1990s to explore the concepts and transmission of memes using an evolutionary framework. Critics of memetics argue that empirical study of memes is difficult, as they do not exist in a physical form like genes. However, developments in neuroimaging and cognitive science may allow for empirical studies of how cultural transmission functions at the neurological level.[11]
Some social scientists question the validity of viewing culture as discrete units (memes), particularly the biological underpinnings of the theory. Others contend that this misunderstanding stems from a misinterpretation of the original concept .
Etymology of 'Meme'
The term meme is derived from the Greek word "mīmēma," meaning "imitated thing." Richard Dawkins coined the word in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene, comparing the spread of ideas and cultural phenomena to the transmission of genes.[14][20] Dawkins proposed that memes act as self-replicating units of cultural information transmitted through imitation. Examples include melodies, catchphrases, and fashion .
Dawkins and Early Development
Although Richard Dawkins is credited with coining the term meme, similar ideas have been explored historically. Charles Darwin and T.H. Huxley both posited that ideas and intellectual phenomena were subject to evolutionary pressures. For instance, Huxley (1880) remarked that "The struggle for existence holds as much in the intellectual as in the physical world"[24].
In 1904, Richard Semon explored a related concept in his book Die Mneme, which was later published in English in 1924 as The Mneme[23]. Dawkins expanded upon this idea, proposing that memes are a fundamental unit of cultural evolution.
Modern Applications: Memes in Digital and Political Culture
In today's digital era, the concept of memes has expanded far beyond its original academic roots. Memes are not only a form of entertainment but also a tool for social commentary and political activism. Political memes, especially, have gained traction for their ability to condense complex ideas into easily shareable content. For instance, political campaigns and grassroots movements often utilize memes to engage younger audiences .
The Role of Physical Media
Dawkins initially viewed memes as abstract ideas, but subsequent theorists have highlighted the importance of the medium through which memes are transmitted. David Hull suggested that the medium (e.g., social media platforms, television) influences how memes evolve. Daniel Dennett similarly proposed that memes exist through their mediums, denying any distinction between a meme and its transmission method .
Memetic Lifecycle and Replication
Memes, much like genes, vary in their replication success. Memes that are able to replicate and adapt effectively spread and survive in the meme pool. Unsuccessful memes are forgotten over time. Imitation and communication are two key processes by which memes spread, with successful memes often propagating across multiple generations or between large populations.
Memetic transmission can be vertical (parent to child) or horizontal (peer to peer). Adam McNamara classified memes into two categories: internal memes (i-memes) and external memes (e-memes), with i-memes existing within an individual's mind and e-memes being external expressions .
Memetics and Cognitive Science
Memetic theory has been subject to criticism, especially in relation to its application in cognitive science. Luis Benitez-Bribiesca pointed out the lack of a "code script" for memes, analogous to the DNA of genes. Critics argue that this lack of fidelity in replication makes memetic theory less scientifically rigorous .
Despite criticisms, memetic theory has influenced disciplines such as cognitive psychology, sociology, and evolutionary psychology, providing a framework to understand cultural evolution and idea propagation .
References:
Blackmore, Susan. The Meme Machine. Oxford University Press, 1999.
Dawkins, Richard. The Selfish Gene. Oxford University Press, 1976.
Shifman, Limor. Memes in Digital Culture. MIT Press, 2014.
Edmonds, Bruce. "The Role of Memes in the Evolution of Human Culture." Journal of Memetics, 2002.
Benitez-Bribiesca, Luis. "Memetics: The New Science of Ideas?" Skeptical Inquirer, 2001.
For further readings and references, visit:
Internet Meme Culture
Oxford University Press
MIT Press Fh287 (talk) 18:55, 1 October 2024 (UTC)[reply]
Again, what is your point here, Fh287? From the markup, including the give-away of still having for instance [8] in the text, makes me believe this is a
level-4 vital article is rated C-class on Wikipedia's content assessment scale.
