The meme – the idea, the image, an object of the non-material world which is transferred from one person to another in the different verbal and nonverbal ways. Being transferred, memes change, influence each certain person and society in general.
The simplest example of the meme – the picture which appeared on the Internet at any forum or the blog. Having noticed it, the others begin to distribute it on other web resources, supplementing with ridiculous inscriptions, altering or replacing the image, but leaving the signature. Over time pictures are multiplied and turn into the steady meme. It is considered that the bigger quantity of variations has the meme, the it is more well-founded and is more successful.
The meme – not only the Internet phenomenon as it can seem. Memes were in steady use long before computers and wide area networks appeared. For example, widely popular quatrains jokes about the little boy. If desired everyone could write the new rhyme or just change old.
For the memes which are in use out of the Internet there is a concept of media viruses. They extend through mass media and have strong impact on reason of certain people and groups, and societies often draw attention to any idea. Though it is traditional to memes and media viruses the attitude of society more often is negative.
Most often memes arise in widely popular communities in which a large number of people constantly communicates. From any news, a phrase, a subject and the character can spontaneously some idea will be born. And if it is pleasant to visitors of a resource, it is picked up, extends and becomes the meme. After origin there comes the development phase, a phase of set of popularity. It can last from several days to several years. During this time many memes manage to appear the Internet and to enter real life of people. And so until they do not bother all and will not be forced out by fresher memes.
Often several memes can integrate in theme groups jointly to seize minds of people and to fight for ideas. The most striking examples of complex memes are political and religious doctrines and doctrines. Changing, complex memes of the main religionzny ideas turn into new currents of religion and sect.