Investigating the impact of erroneous use of memes on effective communication

Abstract

In the ever-evolving digital age, the influence of memes on effective communication cannot be overstated. However, their widespread popularity has also led to a proliferation of erroneous and misleading content. Guided by cultural evolution and evolutionary game theories, this study delves into the impact of the erroneous use of memes within this dynamic landscape. It explores the cognitive effects of encountering such memes on receivers and investigates the factors contributing to the dissemination of erroneous memes. This research identifies key factors contributing to the creation and spread of erroneous memes, such as confirmation bias, emotional appeal, sensationalism, social media algorithms, cognitive biases, and social reinforcement. In addition to its findings, the study provides practical recommendations for memetic literacy and responsible meme creation and sharing. This study contributes to knowledge by advancing our understanding of memes as a unique form of digital communication and their role in shaping public discourse.