Zainab Talha 
Nov 03, 2024
In today’s digital age, it’s unlikely that you’ve scrolled through social media without encountering a meme that made you burst out laughing. However, beyond their entertainment value, memes are increasingly acknowledged as a communication tool, capable of conveying complex ideas and shaping online discourse.
A panel discussion titled “Memes as a Means of Communication” was held on Saturday (November 2) under the banner of the School of Tomorrow (SOTevents) at the Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi, where experts gathered to explore the complexities of memes as a modern communication tool and their impact on contemporary discourse.
What is a meme?
The term meme (from the Greek mimema, meaning “imitated”) refers to an image, video, or text, typically humorous, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.
“Memes depend upon how someone perceives it from their point of view,” Abdul Qadir, a content strategist and the face behind the popular Facebook page Mirzalalbaig, said.
“However, sometimes a single image becomes relatable to a situation even without time specs mentioned,” Qadir added, referencing the famous disappointed Pakistani cricket fan meme that went viral during the ICC ODI World Cup 2019.
It was noted that aesthetics don’t matter in memes. People today are gradually shifting from traditional cinematic productions with high budgets to cost-effective vertical videos. Audience attention spans also play a role here, as they have driven a shift from longer formats to short-format reels, such as TikTok videos.
“Memes as pictures are more effective than thousands of words. They are like bullets that you can understand in one go,” Nigar Nazar, Pakistan’s first female cartoonist, noted.
“The cartoons and comics of the 1970s are today’s memes; the difference between both is aesthetics,” Nazar added.
Memes and pop culture
Memes have become an integral part of pop culture, often serving as a primary source for news, trends, and current events, spreading rapidly across social media.
The panel explored the relationship between memes and popular culture, highlighting their remarkable evolution over time.
“Whether it’s a cricket match or a popular TV show, you get to know so much about it sometimes even without watching it, and that’s possible, thanks to memes,” Qadir concluded.
Meme culture and mental health
In today’s world, where mental health is a major topic of discussion, the proliferation of meme culture, while providing entertainment and social commentary, raises significant concerns about consumers' mental well-being.
With the continuous stream of memes on platforms like Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, the line between humour and offence can blur, increasing the risks of bullying, misinformation, and emotional distress.
“The ‘agree to disagree’ mantra often falls short. What one person finds humorous, another may find hurtful or damaging. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognise these potential risks and safeguard individuals’ mental wellbeing,” Namrah Sikandar, a senior content producer at Teeli (a digital platform owned by DAWN Media Group), noted.
Memes and the responsibility of creators
Meme creators wield significant influence through their humorous content and bear a responsibility to consider the potential impact of their work.
“While creativity is the weapon of meme creators, they must exercise responsibility, navigating the thin, blurry line between creativity and sensitivity,” Sikandar added.
The butterfly effect of a single offensive meme can be considerable, spreading rapidly and leaving lasting impressions. Considering this influence, creators should wield their creativity responsibly.
This accountability would enable meme creators to use their creative platforms positively, fostering engaging and impactful commentary.
How can anyone create memes?
The panellists emphasised that there’s no specific process to creating memes but that it requires mindfulness and awareness.
“Meme-making has no set process; you just think of something funny related to a situation and create a meme—that’s how it works,” said Abdul Ahad Jawaid, Creative Consultant at FIFA (International Federation of Association Football).
“When you post a meme, it creates a niche; people find it relatable, and that’s how you build an audience,” Jawaid added.
