Memes

From ADTAC Disinformation Inventory

T0021

Memes are one of the most important single artefact types in all of computational propaganda. Memes in this framework denotes the narrow image-based definition. But that naming is no accident, as these items have most of the important properties of Dawkins' original conception as a self-replicating unit of culture. Memes pull together reference and commentary; image and narrative; emotion and message. Memes are a powerful tool and the heart of modern influence campaigns.

Examples:

  • https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/what-is-a-meme/
  • Joan Donovan, How memes got weaponized: A short history, MIT Technology Review, 2019
  • “Memes to Movements: how the world’s most viral media is changing social protest and power”, An Xiao Mina - book from a disinfo community member
  • Know Your Meme: Internet meme database
  • https://imgflip.com/memegenerator
  • https://www.theodysseyonline.com/memes-explained-by-psychology[1]