Sociology
The Role of Memes in the Construction of Generational Identity
Quick fact
The 'Distracted Boyfriend' meme, which features a man checking out another woman while his girlfriend looks on disapprovingly, was repurposed by millennials and Gen Z to comment on generational tensions—like choosing between 'old' and 'new' technologies—showing how a single meme can become a generational in-joke.
Why this is interesting
You've probably laughed at a meme your friend sent, but did you know that meme might be a secret handshake for your entire generation? How do these silly images actually shape who we are?