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It’s no secret that the internet is a breeding ground for all kinds of humor, from the absurd to the downright bizarre. But for those of us who grew up in a time before the internet, some of these memes and jokes can be difficult to decipher. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to “memes my mom would understand.” Whether you’re trying to keep up with your kids’ sense of humor or just looking to expand your own, read on for a crash course in internet humor.

What is a Meme?

Let’s start with the basics. A meme is a piece of content that is shared widely on the internet and often takes the form of an image or video with a caption or other text overlay. Memes can be funny, satirical, political, or just plain weird. They spread quickly through social media and other online communities, and often take on a life of their own.

Types of Memes

Reaction Memes

One of the most common types of memes is the reaction meme. These are images or videos with captions that express a particular emotion or reaction to a situation. For example, the “distracted boyfriend” meme shows a man looking at another woman while his girlfriend looks on in disapproval. The caption might read something like “When you see a sale on shoes,” expressing the feeling of temptation and guilt.

Response: “Oh, I’ve seen that one! My daughter showed it to me. It’s funny how pictures can express so much emotion.”

Image Macros

Another type of meme is the image macro, which is an image with a caption that is often humorous or satirical. These can take many forms, from the “I don’t always…” meme featuring actor Jonathan Goldsmith to the “Bad Luck Brian” meme featuring a nerdy-looking kid with bad luck. These memes often poke fun at common experiences or stereotypes.

Response: “I like the one with the cat that says ‘I can has cheezburger?’ That one always makes me smile.”

Viral Videos

Not all memes take the form of images or text. Some are viral videos that are shared widely on social media and other platforms. These can range from cute animal videos to political satire to bizarre performance art. The key is that they are widely shared and often inspire other memes or parodies.

Response: “I saw one of those viral videos where a guy dances to ‘Uptown Funk’ in every city he visits. It was really creative and fun to watch.”

Why Memes Matter

So why do memes matter? For one, they are a form of cultural expression that is unique to the internet age. They allow people to connect and share experiences in a way that was never possible before. They also serve as a kind of shorthand for humor and communication, allowing people to express complex ideas or emotions with just a few words or images.

Response: “I think it’s great that people can use humor to connect with each other, even if they’re from different parts of the world or have different backgrounds.”

How to Keep Up

So how can you keep up with the latest memes and internet humor? One way is to simply pay attention to what’s trending on social media and other online communities. You can also follow popular meme accounts on platforms like Instagram or Reddit, which curate the best and most popular memes from around the web.

Response: “I’m not very good with technology, but I think it’s important to stay up-to-date with what’s going on in the world. Maybe I’ll ask my grandkids to show me some of their favorite memes.”

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, memes are just another form of humor and cultural expression. They may seem strange or incomprehensible at first, but with a little bit of effort and curiosity, anyone can learn to appreciate them. So the next time you come across a meme that you don’t understand, take a moment to investigate and see what all the fuss is about. You might just discover a new form of humor that you never knew you needed.