This paper is aimed to study how memes have immensely evolved from the time this word was introduced by Dawkins in 1976 to the modern times. The basic essence of this evolution is based upon our increasing use of the internet that has greatly transformed our understanding of memes. Additionally, the widespread use of these internet memes has influenced sectors like marketing, politics and the civil society; in a way no one could have ever imagined. Hence, a distinct discipline in order to study memes and their role in shaping social, political and economic aspects, called Memetics, is achieving due development.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Modern memes / Internet memes
- Impacts of meme evolution
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to explore the evolution of memes from their initial conception by Richard Dawkins in 1976 to their current manifestation as internet memes. It examines how the internet has fundamentally altered our understanding and use of memes, impacting various sectors including marketing, politics, and civil society.
- The definition and characteristics of memes as units of cultural transmission.
- The role of the internet in accelerating meme transmission and evolution.
- The impact of internet memes on marketing, politics, and society.
- The comparison of traditional and internet-based meme transmission.
- The concept of memetic mutations and their implications.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of memes as defined by Richard Dawkins in "The Selfish Gene," highlighting their similarities and differences to genes in terms of transmission and replication. It uses the example of "The Birthday Song" to illustrate the long-standing presence of memes in human culture and their capacity for cross-cultural transmission. The chapter also lays the groundwork for discussing the three key components of effective replicators: copy-fidelity, fecundity, and longevity, setting the stage for analyzing how the internet has amplified these factors.
Modern memes / Internet memes: This section delves into the transformative impact of the internet on meme creation and dissemination. It contrasts traditional methods of meme transmission (man-to-man communication, print, radio, television) with the unprecedented speed and reach afforded by the internet. The internet's role in enhancing copy-fidelity, fecundity, and longevity of memes is emphasized. The chapter highlights how the internet has mitigated the challenges posed by geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers to meme transmission, using the example of chain letters to illustrate the ease of meme proliferation in the digital age. The quote from Richard Dawkins recognizing the internet as a prime environment for meme spread reinforces this central theme.
Impacts of meme evolution: This chapter explores the far-reaching consequences of the internet's influence on meme evolution. It showcases how memes have transitioned from mere cultural elements to powerful tools for marketing and social influence. The chapter provides an example of the impact of memes on the 2010 United States Midterm Elections, illustrating their potential to shape political discourse and outcomes. This section emphasizes the significant societal ramifications of the meme's evolution, underscoring its multifaceted role in contemporary society.
Keywords
Memes, internet memes, cultural transmission, Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene, memetic evolution, internet, communication, marketing, politics, social influence, copy-fidelity, fecundity, longevity, replication, mutations, chain letters.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the topic of this language preview?
This preview covers the evolution of memes, from Richard Dawkins' initial concept to their current form as internet memes. It analyzes the internet's impact on meme transmission, evolution, and influence across various sectors like marketing, politics, and society.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
Key themes include the definition and characteristics of memes, the internet's role in accelerating meme transmission and evolution, the impact of internet memes on different sectors (marketing, politics, society), a comparison of traditional and internet-based meme transmission, and the concept of memetic mutations and their implications.
What is the structure of the preview?
The preview is structured into an introduction, a section on modern/internet memes, and a section on the impacts of meme evolution. It also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
How does the preview define memes?
The preview initially defines memes based on Richard Dawkins' work in "The Selfish Gene," highlighting their similarities and differences to genes in terms of transmission and replication. It further explores how internet memes differ from traditional memes in their speed, reach, and impact.
What role does the internet play in meme evolution according to this preview?
The preview argues that the internet has fundamentally altered our understanding and use of memes. It accelerates meme transmission, enhances their copy-fidelity, fecundity, and longevity, and overcomes geographical, cultural, and linguistic barriers to their spread.
What are some examples used in the preview to illustrate meme evolution and impact?
Examples include "The Birthday Song" to illustrate long-standing meme presence and cross-cultural transmission, chain letters to show ease of meme proliferation in the digital age, and the impact of memes on the 2010 United States Midterm Elections to demonstrate their political influence.
What are the three key components of effective replicators discussed in the preview?
The three key components are copy-fidelity (accuracy of replication), fecundity (rate of replication), and longevity (duration of survival).
What are the keywords associated with this language preview?
Keywords include Memes, internet memes, cultural transmission, Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene, memetic evolution, internet, communication, marketing, politics, social influence, copy-fidelity, fecundity, longevity, replication, mutations, chain letters.
What is the overall conclusion of the preview?
The preview concludes that internet memes have transitioned from simple cultural elements to powerful tools with significant societal ramifications, impacting marketing, politics, and shaping social discourse.
Who is the intended audience for this language preview?
The intended audience appears to be academics or students interested in the study of memes, cultural transmission, and the impact of the internet on society.
- Quote paper
- Mohammad Ahmed Hotiana (Author), 2018, Evolution of memes. From Dawkins to the internet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/429658
