2021 was a tough year for many, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to wreak havoc on the world. But amidst all the chaos, there were still moments of levity and humor that helped people get through it all. One such source of humor was the plethora of COVID memes that flooded the internet throughout the year. From funny takes on wearing masks to jokes about the vaccine, these memes provided a much-needed break from the seriousness of the pandemic.
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Mask Memes
One of the most prevalent types of COVID memes in 2021 were those centered around wearing masks. Many people found the act of wearing a mask to be uncomfortable or annoying, and these memes helped to poke fun at the situation. One popular meme featured a picture of a person wearing a mask with the caption “Why does my breath smell so bad in here?” Another showed a person wearing a mask with a straw sticking out of it, with the caption “When you need your coffee fix but also want to be responsible.”
Some people found these memes to be a bit insensitive, however. “As someone who has lost loved ones to COVID, I don’t find these memes funny at all,” said one Twitter user. “They make light of a serious situation and are in poor taste.”
Vaccine Memes
As the vaccine rollout began in earnest in 2021, a new crop of memes emerged, this time centered around getting vaccinated. Some poked fun at the side effects of the vaccine, such as sore arms or fatigue. Others focused on the excitement of finally being able to see friends and family again after being vaccinated.
“I loved all the ‘I got vaccinated’ memes,” said one vaccinated individual. “It was a way to celebrate and share the good news with others who had been through the same thing.”
Zoom Memes
With so many people working from home and attending virtual meetings in 2021, it’s no surprise that Zoom memes also had their moment in the spotlight. Some made fun of the awkwardness of virtual meetings, while others highlighted the various distractions that could pop up during a call.
“I definitely related to the ‘Zoom fatigue’ memes,” said one office worker. “It’s hard to be on camera all day and have to be ‘on’ all the time.”
The Future of COVID Memes
As the pandemic continues into 2022 and beyond, it’s likely that COVID memes will still have a place in our online discourse. However, some wonder if there will be a shift in tone as more people become vaccinated and the situation hopefully improves.
“I think the memes will change as things start to get better,” said one social media user. “We’ll move from making light of the situation to celebrating the end of it.”
Regardless of how the memes may change, there’s no doubt that they provided a welcome break from the stress and anxiety of the pandemic. As one Twitter user put it: “I don’t know where we’d be without COVID memes. They helped us laugh when we needed it most.”
