“Meme” is a generic term used to refer to all kinds of funny pictures and topical videos that circulate on the internet. A meme is defined as an element of culture that, similar to genes in genetics, represents thoughts or behaviors that are transmitted from one person to another within a society. Memes typically manifest in forms such as language, images, gestures, music, fashion, and more. They can spread rapidly, especially through the internet. This is because memes cover a wide range of topics, including humor, culture, and social phenomena, making them a popular tool for eliciting humor or empathy from many people. The concept of memes was first introduced by the British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. In his book, Dawkins defined memes as "units of cultural transmission that, like biological genes, replicate and evolve." Memes can spread rapidly among internet users and often undergo variations, which can make it challenging to trace their origins.
There are various types of memes, including:
-Image Memes
Image memes involve adding text to images, typically used to convey humor or express social opinions. For example, there is a famous meme involving a cat that combines a picture of a cat with the words “we can do it together.”
-Language Memes
Language memes are spread through spoken or written language. These are sometimes referred to as "buzzwords."
-Video Memes
Video memes involve editing short video clips or animations to create humorous or cultural content. These videos are often shared and modified by users to add their own creative twists.
-Social Media Memes
Social media memes are those commonly found on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others. They often revolve around popular trends, hashtags, or cultural references within these social media communities.
-Emoji Memes
Emojis are small digital icons or symbols used to express an idea, emotion, or concept in electronic communication. Users can combine these emojis to create humor or convey messages.
-Cultural Memes
Cultural memes are related to a specific culture, subculture, group, or social phenomenon. They are used to sharing humor or create a sense of belonging within that particular group, often by referencing shared experiences or cultural references.
-Trend Memes
A trend meme often refers to a meme that becomes popular and are widely shared during a specific period of time. These trends can be related to a particular format, catchphrase, or concept that gains popularity and spreads rapidly across online platforms.
Different Types of Memes
1. Positive and Light-hearted Role of Memes:
Memes play a significant role in internet and digital culture. Most memes serve to provide people with laughter and convey humor. These memes often take on challenging everyday situations or topics, making them humorous and brightening people's moods. Furthermore, since memes are spread through the internet, they can be used as a common language among people. By understanding and empathizing with shared memes, people can build a sense of connection in social media communities. When cultural memes spread, they can aid in understanding cultural elements related to a specific culture, social phenomenon, or historical event. Moreover, memes can be used for social movements and political expression.
2. Dark and Negative Role of Memes:
Some memes may deal with explicit or shocking content and can be potentially exploited for political purposes. Furthermore, they can be used to criticize or exacerbate tensions within specific groups, potentially aggravating social divisions. "Crimes against humanity" or socalled "Motiveless Crimes" refer to criminal acts committed against indiscriminate targets where there is no relationship between the suspect and the victim, and the crime occurs without any specific reason.
The Relationship Between Negative Memes and Motiveless Crime
This year, a series of violent crimes have occurred in Korea, including the Shinrim Station knife rampage in July and the Seohyun Station knife rampage in August. These events have raised concerns about violent crimes and threats. Experts interpret the causes of such violence from the perspective of the "crime contagion theory." Contagion theory suggests that unrestrained media coverage or sensationalized reporting of acts of violence can potentially increase incidences of copycat terrorism. It posits that existing terrorists may exploit mass media as a means to achieve their terrorist goals. Motiveless Crimes have become a trend meme, and this phenomenon has been exacerbated by the rapid spread of knife rampages through social media. This event illustrates how explicit and political memes can be exploited to create such incidents.
Preventive Measures for Motiveless Crimes
In the United States, where terrorism incidents often occur, it is common for other individuals, inspired by the occurrence of mass shootings, to commit copycat crimes. This can lead to a sudden surge in multiple acts of terrorism within a short period. To prevent crimes against indiscriminate targets from occurring, various methods can be employed:
1. It is important to always carry self-defense items. Some of the most commonly used self-defense items include alarm devices, batons, and whistles. Alarm devices and whistles are tools designed to alert people around you, but they don't provide direct physical protection. Therefore, if carrying a baton or similar large tool is too cumbersome, it is strongly recommended that you carry a convenient item, such as pepper spray or a whistle.
2. It is important to immediately distance yourself from the scene when a 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' crime occurs. Your safety should be the top priority in such situations. When fleeing, it's important to alert people around you to get out of the area as well. If you have the opportunity to make a call, follow the five W's (Who, What, Where, When, Why) and provide a concise report to the police. Your prompt and clear communication can aid law enforcement in responding to the situation effectively. It's crucial not to attempt to catch or fight against the criminal without proper training and equipment. You should avoid trying to be a hero by engaging in direct confrontation with the criminal, which is very dangerous. Instead, focus on alerting other people and providing first aid to any injured individuals. If possible, it will be more beneficial to help others and ensure their safety than becoming directly involved in the situation.
3. The improvement of education and social services helps educate people regarding the risks and impact of indiscriminate crimes, while also providing appropriate treatment and services to individuals with mental health issues. These measures can help reduce potential crime risks. Crime prevention programs can further reduce and prevent crimes through community-based initiatives and government-based support and efforts.
