Internet meme

An example of an image macro, once a common type of Internet meme.

An internet meme is a phrase, video, or picture that is shared across the Internet.^[1]

Traits

Internet memes are based on the concept of a meme. A meme is a piece of information that is spread between groups, often changing when it is spread.^[2]

Internet Meme Media

Internet memes propagate in a similar pattern to infectious disease, as shown by this SIR model. The pattern, as depicted in red, shows an initial spike in popularity followed by a gradual taper to obscurity.
Step into her office now.*Original photo here.*Update: Welcome, cheezburgers. More info on this macro here.
An example of the Doge meme, popular in 2013 and similar in style to earlier lolcats
Deep fried version of Joos van Craesbeeck's "A Man Surprised".*This file was derived from: Joos van Craesbeeck - A Man Surprised.jpg:
The "Thousand Yard Stare Meme", which was popular in 2023
A person performing the Ice Bucket Challenge
This image macro is in the public domain in the United States as the background was taken by the Department of Agriculture.

References

↑ Willingham, AJ (25 July 2023). What was the first meme? A critical question, answered (sort of). https://www.cnn.com/us/first-meme-ever-cec. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
↑ Benveniste, Alexis (2022-01-26). "The Meaning and History of Memes". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/crosswords/what-is-a-meme.html. Retrieved 1 July 2025.

This short article about technology can be made longer. You can help Wikipedia by adding to it.

[cnn-2023-1] Willingham, AJ (25 July 2023). What was the first meme? A critical question, answered (sort of). https://www.cnn.com/us/first-meme-ever-cec. Retrieved 1 July 2025.

[nyt-2022-2] Benveniste, Alexis (2022-01-26). "The Meaning and History of Memes". The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/26/crosswords/what-is-a-meme.html. Retrieved 1 July 2025.

[1]

[2]