You might have heard the phrase 'LOL' or seen the acronym 'LOL' bandied about on social media. But what does LOL really mean? Put simply, LOL is an abbreviation for 'laugh out loud', a phrase that's become synonymous with the internet era. It's a way to express amusement, mirth, or even mocking in written form. And boy, have we come a long way since then, especially with the advent of memes.
Memes, as we know them today, are essentially copies that ante up an existing concept or capability in order to achieve greater expression or efficiency, to use Richard Dawkins' original definition. In the digital age, however, memes are often jokes, images, or videos that spread rapidly and organically across the internet. And when it comes to 'laugh out loud' funny memes, the internet is literally overflowing with options.
Understanding the popularity of LOL memes
memes, especially the ones that trigger that infectious laugh, have become a staple of internet culture. But why are these 'laugh out loud' memes so popular? The answer lies in their universality and sheer hilarity.
Humor is universal. It transcends borders, languages, and cultural norms. A meme that makes you laugh in America is likely to cause the same reaction in Japan. This shared understanding of humor fosters a sense of global community, if only for a moment. And that, in turn, fuels the spread of these memes.
Humor theory and LOL memes
Psychologists have long studied humor and its role in societal interactions. For instance, one theory proposes that humor serves as a coping mechanism, helping us deal with stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions. LOL memes, then, can be seen as a form of stress relief for the masses, providing a momentary respite from life's daily trials and tribulations.
Another theory suggests that humor is a form of Rank-organization, a method by which we structure our social hierarchy. In this context, LOL memes can be a way of signaling one's group affiliation, or conversely, demonstrating one's individual status.
LSM memes and the unexpected
The element of surprise is another key factor in the popularity of LOL memes. Often, these memes subvert our expectations, catching us off guard, and making us laugh precisely because we weren't anticipating the punchline. Think of the classic 'Distracted Boyfriend' meme, where the humor comes from our assumption of what will happen being subverted.
Unexpected humor can also arise from the incongruity between the meme's setup and its punchline, as per another theory of humor. The running gag in the 'Advice Dog' meme is a classic example of this, contrasting its preaching tone with ludicrous advice.
The science behind shareable memes
Beyond the humor itself, there's a science to why some 'laugh out loud' memes are more shareable than others. According to a study by Rawle and Holmes, there are three key factors that increase the likelihood of a meme being shared:
* **Emotional arousal**: Memes that evoke strong emotions are more likely to be shared. Fear, anxiety, surprise - even negative emotions can boost shareability. Of course, with LOL memes, it's usually positive emotions like joy or amusement that drive shares.
Simplicity vs. complexity
Interestingly, the study found that there's a U-shaped curve to meme complexity. Memes that are too simple or too complicated are less likely to be shared. Instead, memes with a certain level of complexity - allowing for multiple interpretations, but not so much that they're confusing - are the most shareable.
This is perhaps why variants and evolutions of memes can be so successful. There's just enough familiarity while offering something novel, keeping the meme fresh and engaging.
Accessibility and relevance
Memes that are easily understood and perceived as relevant are more likely to be shared, too. Hence the popularity of memes that reference shared cultural touchstones, like movies, TV shows, or viral moments. The more accessible and relevant a meme, the more likely it is to spread.
Context also plays a role. A meme that goes viral on a Monday might not have the same impact on a Sunday. Timing can therefore significantly influence shareability.
So, what's the future of 'laugh out loud' memes? As long as humans continue to crave laughter and community, LOL memes will likely remain a fixture of internet culture. After all, they're not just a source of entertainment; they're a manifestation of our collective human spirit, a testament to our universal need for humor, connection, and surprise.