Some people consider them to be the same thing and use them interchangeably, while others argue that they are two entirely different things. In this article we will try to find out what are the main differences between memes and emojis, understand where these expressions come from and how they came to their current popularity in communication with friends and colleagues through social media and instant messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.
Main Difference
There’s been a lot of discussions lately about the use of memes and emojis. Some people seem to think that memes are on the decline, while others believe that emojis are taking over. So, which is better: memes or emojis?
The answer to this question is complicated. On one hand, memes are a great way to communicate ideas and emotions. They can be funny, clever, or insightful. On the other hand, emojis are very versatile and can be used to express a wide range of emotions.
Ultimately, it depends on what you’re trying to say. If you want to communicate a complex idea, then a meme is probably the best option. However, if you just want to show how you feel, then an emoji is the better choice.
What are Emojis?
Emojis, short for emoticons, are small images that express emotions in text messages, social media posts, and other digital communications. Originally designed to be used only within Japan’s messaging app LINE, emojis have since become widely used around the world.
Some of the most popular emojis include smiley faces with eyes closed (representing happiness), winking faces (expressing humor), frowny faces (sympathy), and pizza slices (indicating appetite). There are also a variety of other types of emojis available including characters from popular movies, TV shows, and brands.
What is Meme?
Memes are a big part of our culture today. Memes have replaced emojis as the main way to communicate online. Memes started out on social media sites like Tumblr and Reddit, but they have now spread to other platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
Most memes consist of an image or video with text overlayed. The text is usually a quote or a joke. Memes are often shared by people who think they are funny or clever. Some memes become popular because they are relatable, while others become popular because they are funny or outrageous. Some memes can even be offensive.
The best memes are able to make people laugh, but also make them think about the issues that are being discussed.
Where did They come from?
The term meme originates from Richard Dawkins and refers to a unit of cultural transmission. A meme contains information about its source but also possesses some sort of quality that makes it transferrable to others – meaning people copy, distribute or repeat it.
How do Memes Differ from emojis?
The Oxford Dictionary defines a meme as an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous, that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by Internet users. But what if you have an icon or character that can be used as a visual expression without words or phrases? That’s where emojis come in.
Key Differences Between Memes and Emojis
Memes are images that spread from person to person through social media, while emojis are text-based symbols that can be used to express your emotions. Meme culture has been around since the early 2000s, but emojis have only recently become popular. Memes are ideas that spread from person to person through social media, while emojis are images used to express emotions. While they might seem similar, there are some distinct differences between these two online cultural phenomenons.
Let’s take a look at how they compare 5 Key Differences Between Emojis And Memes:
- Emoji is a type of emoticon (smiley face), whereas a meme is a concept or an idea that spreads throughout society (like LOLcats).
- Most people use emoji when communicating with friends on messaging apps like WhatsApp or iMessage, whereas meme usually refers to something shared on Facebook or Twitter (though we’re starting to see more creative uses of emoji in content marketing campaigns).
- It’s easier to create your memes than it is to create your emojis.
- Memes are often used as a form of expression for societal issues, while emojis are used for fun things like food and animals.
- Meme culture has been around since before social media, but emojis have only recently become popular.
Emoticons – Not Memes
You might notice that some people refer to emoticons as emojis or emoticons. This is because they often use them interchangeably, depending on their country of origin. The most common emoticon in America, for example, is a picture of a smiling face 🙂 with semi-closed eyes. In other countries, though, it’s just called an emoticon!
A Short History Of Memes
The word meme is a portmanteau of memory and gene. The first documented use was in 1976 by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, who used it to describe how ideas are spread through culture.
In his book The Selfish Gene, he wrote: We need a name for the new replicator, a noun that conveys the idea of a unit of cultural transmission, or a unit of imitation. ‘Mime’ comes from a suitable Greek root, but I want a monosyllable that sounds a bit like ‘gene’. I hope my classicist friends will forgive me if I abbreviate meme to meme.
Conclusion
It can be hard to keep up with all that’s happening in the world of social media. The best way to avoid getting lost in a black hole of Twitter feeds is to pick up a good social media guide (we like Social Media for Dummies) and establish boundaries for yourself on how often you check your Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, etc. You may find that you enjoy using one platform more than another—and that’s fine.