An interesting observation I’ve encountered while doing research is the simple act of searching “meme” on Google. By doing so, you are met with the graveyard of memes from the years 2007 to 2014. Memes reminiscent of the days of 4chan and 9GAG.
While they were relevant, it is clear that this format of meme (repetitive images, over-formatted, lacking originality and depth) is still what many people define as a “meme”. This perception of memes is still dominant till today, even though it isn’t the most commonly used form anymore.
By exploring the current landscape of niche and lo-fi memes, it is clear that the “Google” world of memes is stale in comparison. However, it is interesting to consider if the current climate of memes could be disposable and irrelevant in the future, or if the nicheness and high-context culture surrounding them will allow these formats to endure and cement themselves as a marker of identity and shared experience.
While the style of memes seen above is outdated and considered “cringe” nowadays, it is still an important moniker in the culture around internet language and humor. My main point of questioning is, even though it is one of the first widely recognised meme formats, why is it still the default cultural reference point of memes? Perhaps because they were accessible (online meme generators), digestible, generally easy to use, and able to be used in different languages to reach different cultures?
It seems these early 9GAG era memes have become an artefact. While not an offline artefact, but rather an artefact of the relic used to be memes.
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