Weaponized Social Memes

In the ever-evolving etiquette and acceptable behaviour of our society at large, we have formerly struggled through a painstaking process of change, usually involving awareness and self-sacrifice. Our tribal nature wants to categorize groups, identify threats, and side up. But this very notion may now be used to accelerate a once cumbersome process through two modern methods:

1. The advent of social media and mass connectedness which gives us a way to IMMEDIATELY find each other and spread messages.
2. The ability of a few to reduce an antiquated notion that no longer serves a purpose in society to essentially a meme that's easy to grasp.

The combination of these things creates a powerful tool for social change as the tribal 'group' we identify with is now perceived, not tangible. If we see a meme or phrase being re-used in various places, we assume a majority is using this based on the frequency of occurrence relative to our browsing experience. We (the majority) then feel a social pressure to bend to the message of the perceived social norm.

The example that comes to mind is 'gatekeeping'. I know it's not new, though I see the word popping up more frequently now as a VERY effective way of reducing and invalidating a close-minded argument which sides with a former social norm that no longer serves a purpose.

It is in this way that we can use these methods to advance ourselves towards a more inclusive society.

The argument can also be made that the groups that use these methods of reduction and dismissal already have their minds made up and are simply reinforcing these notions. In this case I believe any type of progressive leaning individual would become further inclusive and open, while the conservative-minded would remain stagnant, which still tips the balance towards social change (albeit maybe not as fast as I originally thought).

Of course...the Russian trolls may well figure out a way to use these weapons against us if they haven't already to further divide and conquer.

Anyway, here I am in the library because fuck pixabay and modern day clipart: