What Is an Internet Meme?
An internet meme is a form of expression that utilizes images and text-based media to create jokes or provide commentary on specific events.
These memes are commonly shared through social media platforms such as Facebook or Reddit.
Digital Virality in the Age of Social Media
Memes serve as the digital equivalent of catchy songs, images, or videos that go viral through social media.
They often originate from particular events and may be imitated by others seeking to replicate their success without introducing original content.
Memes spread through imitation and possess three key characteristics: longevity, which allows them to endure over time; fecundity or fertility, which leads to exponential growth among internet users; and fidelity, which ensures the preservation of the original content amid its variations.
One of the earliest internet memes was a computer-animated baby known as Baby Cha-Cha, created in 1996 to showcase the capabilities of new CGI software. This animation became the first viral sensation on the internet.
Early Internet Memes
Internet memes play a significant role in shaping the collective mindset of internet users.
They have brought marginalized groups a platform to share their perspectives, established new spaces for discourse, and even impacted real-world politics.
Memes effectively capture the attention of audiences and facilitate the transmission of ideas.
They serve as an advertising tool and are employed by founders to garner recognition for their innovative endeavors, including cryptocurrency.
What Is a Crypto Meme?
A crypto meme typically takes the form of an image, video, or GIF with a humorous message.
These messages often target crypto enthusiasts and investors.
The crypto community also employs memes to mock individuals who doubt the power of blockchain or invest in “shitcoins” with the aim of quick wealth.
Crypto memes have become immensely popular in the crypto world.
The crypto space has been a prominent subject in recent years, and it appears that crypto memes have taken over the internet.
It is challenging to come across anything related to crypto without encountering memes.
These memes serve as an escape from the crypto market’s downturns and promote new developments within the crypto space.
They facilitate the connection between enthusiasts and the broader crypto community.
What Is a Memecoin?
A memecoin is a type of cryptocurrency inspired by internet jokes and memes.
The first and most renowned memecoin is Dogecoin, which gained significant popularity upon its inception and continues to thrive today.
While some people consider cryptocurrencies a joke, many investors, including those who typically do not invest elsewhere, have entered the market due to its accessibility and diverse options.
Some investors have experienced substantial success and made significant profits from these investments.
Comparing Meme Coins and Traditional Cryptocurrencies
The key distinction between meme coins and “traditional” cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum is that the latter possess utility beyond mere entertainment purposes.
Meme coins are often easier to purchase, with values typically in cents, and tend to be more volatile than other cryptocurrencies.
Conversely, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other projects serve specific purposes that make them more viable than mere get-rich-quick schemes.