Meta memes have become a popular trend in the world of internet humor. These memes are a step above traditional memes, as they require an understanding of the underlying themes and concepts behind the meme in order to truly appreciate them. In this article, we will explore the meaning of meta memes and why they have become so popular in recent years.
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What Are Meta Memes?
Meta memes are memes that reference other memes or internet trends. They often rely on the viewer having a deep understanding of the original meme in order to understand the joke. For example, a meta meme might reference the popular “Distracted Boyfriend” meme, but with a new twist. This requires the viewer to understand the original meme in order to appreciate the new version.
Meta memes can also reference broader internet trends or cultural phenomena. For example, a meta meme might reference the widespread use of emojis in modern communication. These memes often require a certain level of internet literacy to truly appreciate.
Why Have Meta Memes Become So Popular?
Meta memes have become popular for a few different reasons. One is that they allow for a deeper level of humor than traditional memes. They require the viewer to have a certain level of knowledge or understanding in order to appreciate the joke. This can make the humor feel more rewarding and satisfying.
Another reason for the popularity of meta memes is that they allow for a sense of community among internet users. Those who understand the reference or concept behind a meta meme can feel a sense of shared understanding with others who appreciate the same joke. This can create a feeling of belonging and camaraderie among internet users.
What Do People Think About Meta Memes?
Opinions on meta memes vary among internet users. Some appreciate the deeper level of humor and the sense of community they can create. Others feel that meta memes are exclusionary and require a certain level of internet literacy that not everyone possesses.
One Reddit user shared their thoughts on meta memes, stating, “I love meta memes because they require a certain level of knowledge to appreciate. It makes me feel like I’m part of an inside joke that not everyone gets. But I can see how they might be frustrating for people who don’t understand the reference.”
Another user disagreed, stating, “I think meta memes are kind of elitist. They exclude people who aren’t as internet-savvy and make them feel left out. I prefer memes that are accessible to everyone.”
Examples of Meta Memes
Here are a few examples of popular meta memes:
Expanding Brain
The Expanding Brain meme is a meta meme that references the “Expanding Brain” meme format. The meme features a series of images, each with a different level of “brain expansion.” The final image in the series features a twist on the original meme, requiring the viewer to understand the original format in order to appreciate the joke.
Loss Edits
Loss Edits are a type of meta meme that reference the webcomic “Loss” by Tim Buckley. The comic features a character experiencing a traumatic event, with each panel zooming in on a specific body part. The Loss Edit meme format takes this concept and applies it to other images or memes, requiring the viewer to understand the original comic in order to appreciate the joke.
Surprised Pikachu
The Surprised Pikachu meme is a meta meme that references the popular Pokemon character. The meme features an image of Pikachu looking surprised, with different captions applied to the image. The meta aspect of the meme comes from the fact that it references the widespread popularity of Pokemon and Pikachu in particular.
Conclusion
Meta memes have become a popular trend in internet humor, offering a deeper level of humor and a sense of community among internet users. While opinions on meta memes vary, they will likely continue to be a staple of internet culture for years to come.
