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.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction:
- Modern memes / Internet memes
- Impacts of meme evolution
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the evolution of memes from their inception by Richard Dawkins in 1976 to their modern-day manifestation in the digital age. The paper investigates how the internet has significantly impacted the understanding and spread of memes, ultimately shaping their role in various spheres of society, including marketing, politics, and civil society.
- The evolution of memes from Dawkins' original concept to internet memes.
- The impact of the internet on meme transmission and evolution.
- The use of memes in marketing, politics, and social transformations.
- The emergence of memetics as a distinct discipline.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of memes as proposed by Richard Dawkins in his book "The Selfish Gene". It outlines the similarities and differences between memetic and genetic transmission, emphasizing the importance of imitation and cultural transmission in meme creation.
- Modern memes / Internet memes: This chapter focuses on the role of the internet in shaping modern meme culture. It highlights how the internet has dramatically increased the speed, reach, and longevity of meme transmission, enabling their rapid proliferation and impact.
- Impacts of meme evolution: This chapter delves into the consequences of the internet's influence on memes. It explores how memes are now used as strategic tools for marketing, political campaigns, and social change. The chapter uses the example of the 2010 United States Midterm Elections to illustrate the power of memes in political discourse.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts explored in this paper include memes, memetics, internet memes, meme transmission, cultural transmission, marketing, politics, social transformations, and the impact of the internet on social dynamics.
- Quote paper
- Mohammad Ahmed Hotiana (Author), 2018, Evolution of memes. From Dawkins to the internet, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/429658
