The recent surge of memes following President Biden's withdrawal from the race underscores their increasing use for expressing public sentiments

In her book "Memes in Digital Culture," Communications Professor Limor Shifman highlights the significance of political memes, noting that they play a crucial role in shaping discussions about societal norms and the future. The recent surge in memes following U.S. President Joe Biden's decision not to run for the upcoming presidential elections illustrates the increasing use of this medium for expressing public sentiments, including likes, dislikes, and frustrations.

The concept of memes dates back to the late 20th century, introduced by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book "The Selfish Gene." Dawkins described memes as cultural units that spread and evolve similarly to genes. The formal introduction of "Internet Memes" occurred in 1994, thanks to Mike Godwin. These early memes, like the "Nazi comparison memes," circulated rapidly online and laid the foundation for the meme culture we know today.

The creation and spread of internet memes began in the 1990s and early 2000s on forums and imageboards like 4chan and Reddit. These platforms were among the first to host meme-like content, such as humorous images with captions and inside jokes. As the internet and social media expanded, so did the reach and diversity of memes, evolving to include various formats like GIFs, videos, and TikToks. Meme-making has become a popular form of self-expression, communication, and connection online. Some even view it as an art form, with certain memes becoming part of mainstream culture.

As the U.S. presidential elections approach, the relevance of political memes becomes increasingly significant. The digital age has revolutionized political communication, shifting it from traditional media to the dynamic realm of social media. This transformation, fueled by internet accessibility and information democratization, has empowered individuals to engage in political dialogue more freely. It is crucial to understand both the profound implications and challenges of this new landscape. Humor, especially through memes, has emerged as a potent tool in this era. Memes distill complex ideas into easily shareable and often humorous content, making them a staple of online political communication. They serve as entertainment and vehicles for critique and satire, simplifying intricate issues and making them more accessible to a broader audience. For example, AI-generated images of Donald Trump at a concert or wordplays like "Joever" and "Kamencing" illustrate how humor is used to navigate serious political situations.<The impact of this shift on political campaigns is profound. Today's political actors understand the power of social media in shaping narratives. The rapid spread and viral potential of online content make social media a crucial battleground for political communication. In this arena, the perceptual environment created by social media often outweighs the significance of the political events themselves. A viral meme about U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris involving a coconut, once used derogatorily, now helps promote her case. Her remark during a widely watched speech, "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you," encapsulates the essence of present-day social media and meme culture. Elections have always been fertile ground for PR stunts, and meme sharing. While there is little evidence to suggest that memes directly impact electoral behavior, they undeniably contribute to digital discourse. Depending on their virality, memes can become part of everyday conversations and even enter mainstream media.

(The author is a poetess, journalist and  a writer; views are personal)