Memes and Media Literacy: The Power and Hazards of Viral Information
Source: https://stocksnap.io/author/mattmoloney The history of the internet began in 1983, initially designed to interconnect computer networks. By 1989, it evolved into the World Wide Web, transforming over the decades from an academic tool into a fundamental aspect of our daily lives, driving social, economic, and technological change globally. Memes play a crucial role in this digital landscape. Richard Dawkins, the anthropologist who developed "meme theory," described memes as "any cultural entity that an observer might consider a replicator." While initially viewed as an anthropological concept, memes today serve as commentary and satire on our world, reflecting the collective consciousness of online communities. In contemporary society, memes are powerful tools for communication, providing commentary, satire, and political messaging. They shape our understanding of current events, politics, and social issues, but with this power comes responsibility. How c...
