Exploring the Science Behind Our Reaction to Information Memes
We all come across memes that range from humorous to political, and everything in between. Memes are an essential part of social media, and they often spark discussions and opinions. But have you ever wondered why some memes are more effective in conveying their message than others? The answer lies in the science of human psychology.
The Science behind Memes
Memes are a form of visual communication that our brain finds easier to comprehend than written or spoken words. The reason behind this is that the human brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than text. Therefore, memes with text and visuals are more accessible than mere texts, and they catch our attention almost immediately.
Moreover, memes also use humor, sarcasm, and irony to convey messages. These emotions activate the brain’s reward center, releasing the ‘feel-good hormone’ dopamine, which makes us feel positive about the content. The combination of visuals, emotions, and humor makes memes a potent tool for spreading information quickly.
The Power of Emotional Triggers
The emotional response triggered by memes is an essential factor that influences our reaction to them. A study conducted by BuzzSumo analyzed the top 100 most shared articles from its list and found that articles that evoked ‘amusement’ and ‘awe’ were shared more than those that did not. Similarly, research by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania found that people are more likely to share content that evokes positive emotions like awe and excitement.
Therefore, it’s not about the message or topic, but the emotions that are connected with the meme that enables it to go viral. However, emotions that are associated with negativity like anger or sadness can also make memes go viral. For example, political memes that contain negative content about a particular political figure or policy often elicit strong emotions that can quickly become viral.
Social Identity Theory
Our social identity defines who we are, and it’s a significant factor that influences our opinions and beliefs. Social Identity Theory explains how we define ourselves based on groups we belong to. These groups include family, friends, sports teams, political affiliations, among others.
Memes often target these groups, making them more relevant and relatable. Political memes often make fun of opposing political parties, making them more relatable to their supporters and creating collective identities. Memes that engage with collective identities often generate a sense of community or ‘in-group’ bias, making them shareable among group members.
Conclusion
In conclusion, memes are a powerful tool for spreading information that is quick, concise, and relatable. Memes are processed more accessible by the brain, and they trigger emotional responses that incentivize sharing. Emotional triggers that evoke positive as well as negative emotions, collective identity, and humor are effective techniques that make memes go viral. Therefore, understanding the science behind memes is essential to crafting messages that resonate with a target audience.
