We still have the same number of hours in a day as people did long ago, yet it seems like we never have enough time. In the past, our grandparents wrote letters by hand, mailed them, and waited a long time for a reply. Nowadays, we have technology that allows instant messaging, but we can still go weeks or even months without talking to some friends or family members. Interestingly, we can actually keep in touch daily, sometimes many times a day, without exchanging words. This is largely due to shareable content, like what is found on an Instagram page called Actual Memes. Whatever you are feeling or thinking, there’s likely a quick post that can say what you don’t have time to express. Bored Panda has created a collection of some of the funniest and most relatable memes from this account, perfect for those who might struggle with finding the time or words to connect with friends. Feel free to share any of them, and remember to upvote the ones you like best.
Many people share memes with friends or family, whether it’s one, ten, or even a hundred. This may seem like an easy or lazy way to communicate, but some experts suggest that sharing memes can actually show care. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research earlier this year states that small actions like sending a meme or video can help strengthen emotional connections. It also mentions that those who share memes often find it to be a good way to stay connected with friends online.
Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, compares sending memes to a behavior called “pebbling.” This term refers to gentoo penguins presenting shiny pebbles to attract mates, as explained by The Atlantic. Grant suggests that for humans, giving a carefully chosen meme can also be a way to show interest in someone, whether romantically or as friends.
He believes that sharing these memes is not a trivial act. He emphasizes that each meme shared is an attempt to connect. While sending a meme may not be as personal as making a phone call or having an in-person meeting, it still shows that you want to keep in touch and are thinking of the other person. Nicholas Brody, a communication-studies professor at the University of Puget Sound, notes that relationships often need reassurance that both people value their friendship equally. He adds that responding with a simple like on a meme your friend sent can also help maintain that bond.
Some psychologists and sociologists suggest that this act of “pebbling” could even be seen as a new way of expressing love. They explain that sharing memes is an easy but effective method for building closeness through small gestures. Experts from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy state that, while technology is often criticized for making people feel distant, it can also bring people together and create connections.
They point out that pebbling might be especially helpful for those with neurodiverse abilities. Traditional ways of showing affection can sometimes feel overwhelming, but sharing memes can help develop relationships through digital actions.
How many memes do you think you’ve sent or received today?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Indrė Lukošiūtė