If there’s one universal truth about the internet, it’s this: no matter how challenging life becomes, there will always be memes to lighten the mood

If there’s one universal truth about the internet, it’s this: no matter how challenging life becomes, there will always be memes to lighten the mood. From global crises to personal struggles, humour-especially memes-has become our go-to coping strategy. But why does meme culture resonate so deeply with us, and what does psychology say about it?

Humour has long been seen as a way to cope with tough emotions. Sigmund Freud (1989) proposed that jokes let us share thoughts and feelings that we might otherwise keep hidden. Current research backs this idea, showing that humour can serve as a psychological shield, helping us manage stress and anxiety (Martin, 2007). In our digital age, memes have taken this role to new heights, providing quick relief that is easy to access and share (Shifman, 2013).

What makes memes so effective is their unique ability to combine relatability with a sense of detachment. When we come across a meme that perfectly encapsulates our challenges-whether it’s about burnout, social awkwardness, or existential dread-we find ourselves laughing because it resonates with us, yet it remains distant enough to be funny. This type of humour engages what psychologists refer to as “cognitive reappraisal,” a technique where people reinterpret negative experiences in a way that feels less distressing (Gross & John, 2003). By transforming difficult emotions into humour, memes assist us in reframing our challenges, making them seem less daunting (Akram & Drabble, 2023).

Apart from individual coping, memes also create a sense of community. Sharing a meme goes beyond just sending a funny image; it communicates, ‘I relate to this too. You’re not alone.’ This kind of social validation is vital for emotional resilience. Research indicates that social support can alleviate stress and enhance mental health (Cohen & Wills, 1985). In today’s digital age, memes serve as a modern means of social connection, enabling individuals to bond over shared experiences without the need for extensive conversations (Phillips & Milner, 2017). A recent article in Forbes points out that the memes we share often mirror our personalities, emotions, and coping mechanisms (Travers, 2024).

One major reason meme culture flourishes is its knack for making even the toughest subjects feel more approachable. The internet has birthed “dark humour” memes that poke fun at anxiety, depression, or even death. While this type of humour may not resonate with everyone, studies suggest that those who appreciate dark humour might possess greater emotional resilience (Samson & Gross, 2012). Finding laughter in life’s challenges can empower individuals, transforming something daunting or stressful into something less intimidating. However, it’s important to tread carefully-if humour is solely used to sidestep emotions, it can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms (Falkenberg et al., 2012).

This is particularly true in the age where doomscrolling reigns supreme. Such negative news consumption habits have been associated with high anxiety and depression levels (Vahedi & Saiphoo, 2018). In contrast, memes help users process painful information without being excessively burdened. Myrick’s (2015) work has shown that consuming comedy material is stress relieving, increases positive feelings, and serves as a mental break from overstimulation. Certainly, many media companies have admitted that memes constitute modern coping strategies. In addition, Shizowa (2020) at Brigham Young University has also contributed to coping strategies in the form of memes by stating that humour facilitates communal grieving.

Of course, meme culture isn’t perfect. While humour can be a powerful tool for coping, it can also reinforce negative thought patterns. Constant exposure to memes about burnout, for example, might make someone laugh at the moment but also normalise exhaustion as an unavoidable part of life. Similarly, self-deprecating humour-though often seen as harmless-can sometimes reinforce low self-esteem if taken too far (Ford et al., 2016). The key, as with anything, is balance.

Despite its complexities, the rise of memes as a coping mechanism speaks to something deeply human: our need to make sense of the world through humour. In times of uncertainty, laughter helps us feel a little more in control. The next time you share a meme about struggling through adulthood, existential dread, or the absurdity of modern life, remember-you’re not just laughing; you’re coping. And in a world that can often feel overwhelming, that’s no small thing.

Authors: Khushi Shah, FLAME Alumna & Prof. Moitrayee Das, Faculty of Psychology, FLAME University.