Definitions change. Dawkins didn’t define an “internet meme”. People who were spreading certain kinds of viral content on the Internet found Dawkins’ word and adapted it to match the things they were doing.
I wouldn’t say that viral videos are memes, they are viral videos. But their content can become a meme, which could be a quote from it or some kind of content shown in a different context.
E.g. the Area51 Naruto runner is a meme, but the report where he appears is not.
So, would you agree that viral videos are memes? I wouldn’t.
Yes, it’s literally in the definition. Even ideas are memes.
A meme is to culture what a gene is to biology.
So, you completely accept that definition of a meme?
What are you talking about, my dude?
The definition of the term “meme” was given by Richard Dawkins in 1972. That’s what the word means.
What’s your point?
Definitions change. Dawkins didn’t define an “internet meme”. People who were spreading certain kinds of viral content on the Internet found Dawkins’ word and adapted it to match the things they were doing.
An “Internet meme” falls smack in the middle of Dawkins’ definition. I really have no clue what your point is.
Smack in the middle, but the definition is narrower.
Elaborate?
I wouldn’t say that viral videos are memes, they are viral videos. But their content can become a meme, which could be a quote from it or some kind of content shown in a different context.
E.g. the Area51 Naruto runner is a meme, but the report where he appears is not.