A Side Order of Memes

Ally Perry • Writer and Editor

May 26, 2023 10:00 PM EDT

A key component to consuming and enjoying memes is that the meme itself is rarely the main event (unless, you know, it's one of those formats that goes super viral and is seen everywhere for a few whole days). It's more about the message, and the fact it gives us something to look at and make our brains release dopamine when it's quite possible that we should be doing something else. A dash of meme consumption is the side dish on the big old meal of 21st century life, and some might say it's the tastiest part. Sure, it's junk food, but it makes us happy in a kind of hollow way that induces unstoppable cravings. It's no different from any other mildly addictive substance we might enjoy, and unlike many of those, it's not bad for you in moderation. This list is the perfect example of that. It gives us some limits.