LOLcats - ICanHazCheezburger
From the 'Star Wars Kid' to The Flying Spaghetti Monster, certain viral content becomes intrinsic to the native language of internet culture. The term Internet Meme [memetic] is used to define these often inexplicably popular phenomenon.
Source: Wikipedia
DescriptionAt its most basic, an Internet meme is simply the propagation of a digital file or hyperlink from one person to others using methods available through the Internet (for example, email, blogs, social networking sites, instant messaging, etc.). The content often consists of a saying or joke, a rumor, an altered or original image, a complete website, a video clip or animation, or an offbeat news story, among many other possibilities. An Internet meme may stay the same or may evolve over time, by chance or through commentary, imitations, and parody versions, or even by collecting news accounts about itself. Internet memes have a tendency to evolve and spread extremely quickly, sometimes going in and out of popularity in a matter of days. They are spread organically, voluntarily, peer to peer, rather than by compulsion, predetermined path, or completely automated means.
An interactive timeline depicting many of the most popular memes over the last few years:
Understanding the language of digital culture provides the context through which we can add meaningful value to online conversations - and be in on the jokes.
