2022 was a year full of ups and downs, but one thing that remained constant was the internet’s love for memes. From funny cat videos to relatable pop culture references, memes had us laughing, crying, and everything in between. Here’s a look back at the top 100 memes of 2022.
Table of Contents
The Classics
Some memes never go out of style, and 2022 was no exception. Classic memes like “Bad Luck Brian” and “Overly Attached Girlfriend” made a comeback this year, reminding us that old memes can still be funny. “Distracted Boyfriend” also continued to be a popular meme, with people using it to poke fun at everything from politics to pop culture.
“As someone who has been on the internet since the early days, it’s always nice to see old memes make a comeback,” said internet historian and meme expert, Dr. Emily Johnson. “These memes have become a part of internet culture and have a special place in our hearts.”
The Newcomers
While classic memes had their moment in the spotlight, 2022 also saw the rise of new memes. “Swole Doge vs. Cheems” took the internet by storm, with people using the meme to compare two things that are seemingly different but actually have a lot in common. “Woman Yelling at a Cat” also gained popularity, with people using the meme to express their frustrations in a humorous way.
“New memes are always exciting because they reflect the current state of the internet and pop culture,” said meme enthusiast and social media influencer, John Smith. “It’s interesting to see what resonates with people and why.”
The Political Memes
Politics was a hot topic in 2022, and memes didn’t shy away from it. From memes about the 2022 midterms to memes about world leaders, politics provided plenty of material for meme makers. “Bernie Sitting” was one of the most popular political memes of the year, with people using the image of Bernie Sanders sitting at the inauguration to create hilarious memes.
“Political memes are a way for people to express their views and frustrations in a humorous way,” said political analyst and meme expert, Sarah Johnson. “They can also help humanize politicians and make them more relatable.”
The Controversial Memes
Not all memes are created equal, and some can be controversial. 2022 saw its fair share of controversial memes, with some causing outrage and others sparking important conversations. The “OK Boomer” meme was one of the most controversial, with some people seeing it as ageist and offensive. The “Karen” meme also sparked debate, with some people arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes about women.
“Controversial memes can be a double-edged sword,” said social media expert and meme enthusiast, David Lee. “On one hand, they can generate a lot of buzz and engagement. But on the other hand, they can also offend people and damage a brand’s reputation.”
The Memes That Went Viral
Finally, there were the memes that went viral in 2022. These memes were everywhere, from social media to news outlets. “Ight, Imma Head Out” was one of the most viral memes of the year, with people using the image of SpongeBob SquarePants leaving a room to express their desire to leave a situation. “Area 51” was another viral meme, with people joking about the possibility of storming the secretive military base.
“Viral memes are always interesting because they show how quickly something can spread on the internet,” said social media analyst and meme expert, Jessica Miller. “They also give us insight into what people find funny and relatable.”
Overall, 2022 was a great year for memes. From classic memes to controversial memes to viral memes, there was something for everyone. As we head into 2023, it will be interesting to see what new memes will emerge and how they will reflect the current state of the internet and pop culture.
