Anyone online knows that coronavirus memes have been blowing up. The time of the coronavirus has been undoubtedly unlike anything that we have seen before in modern times. This is especially true when you think about the way that people across the globe communicate and cope with uncertainty, tragedy, and isolation. In the past few years even, technology has blown up and infiltrated nearly every aspect of modern life, seeping into the cracks that form in times of hardship. We are able to stay connected through phones, computers, and gaming systems, with Zoom video call happy hours and virtual book clubs. Despite being physically separated, we are still able to be together in a way.
It is the essence of humanity to use humor as a coping mechanism when things look bleak. One of the biggest trends going around has been making viral (no pun intended) memes and social media challenges. From celebrities to your next-door neighbor, everyone is partaking in everything from TikTok dance choreography to push up challenges on Instagram.
Wait, people are making coronavirus memes?
Yes! We can see from this infographic that crying laughing emojis top the chart for the most used. We at Synthesio wanted to dive into what is making people laugh and why.
Coronavirus memes have evolved from educational and encouraging PSAs into darker, modern internet humor. Many memes have been inspired by global calls to self-quarantine or shelter in place, while others continue to remind us to wash our hands and avoid touching our faces.
There are also lots of offline pranks, absurdist millennial humor, and apocalyptic social parody. But there’s also an element of crucial real-life companionship in many of the memes, along with a more visible sense of anxiety initial deluge of coronavirus memes lacked. One thing remains the same, however: comedy is bringing people together offline to dance, sing, and goof off — all to keep hopes and spirits high.
TikTok
TikTok has gone from a teen sensation to a truly global platform with over 1 billion users. Celebrities, parents, and young professionals have all jumped on the bandwagon.
From viral dance challenges:
@the.mcfarlandsYou asked for it… Here it is 📸 ##blindinglightschallenge ##blindinglights ##happyathome♬ Blinding Lights – The Weeknd
To relatable quarantine content:
@lizzytiano3Hey, corona ##go ##away!!! ##fyp ##coronavirus ##selfquarantine♬ original sound – lizzytiano3
To how-tos for online classes:
@vladimir_pudding_when professors say online classes till april 14th… ##xyzbca ##coronavirus ##zoom ##college♬ we got him – jesusman66
And tips for being home all day from our dogs:
@briannastorey##quarantine ##lovedogs ##dogsoftiktok ##socialdistancing ##fyp ##foryoupage♬ original sound – briannastorey
Almost no one has escaped the TikTok craze. It is a welcome source of entertainment for people stuck at home.
Twitter has been by far the most active social media channel in the world during coronavirus. Social listening analysis has recorded over 87 million organic mentions on Twitter alone.
While many government and news sources are using Twitter to spread awareness and answers about the pandemic, many are using the platform for a good laugh.
People using Twitter for fun during these times using self-deprecating or relatable humor have found a sense of community. Platforms like Twitter allow us to stay connected with each other, even if it’s only a “Haha” react on a meme sent in a group chat.
Instagram has also been particularly popular for coronavirus entertainment and memes. Push-up challenges, see a pup send a pup, and drawing challenges are just a few of the trends spreading around like wildfire on the photo and video sharing app. After doing the challenge at the behest of a friend who tagged you, such as doing ten pushups, you then tag three more friends you want to do the challenge, and so on. Another popular challenge is the #UntilTomorrow, where users post an embarrassing photo of themselves and keep it up on their profile for 24 hours without saying anything. Whoever likes or comments on the post have to also post their own embarrassing #UntilTomorrow photo.
As more people have become directly, or indirectly, impacted by the virus’s impact, and people stay locked up in their homes alone for longer, the memes produced by online users have become more chaotic. Jumping on trends has allowed mass participation that reflects a sense of global solidarity amid chaos.
The most important thing coming out of this meme renaissance is the reminder that we are all still human. Humans have the unique ability to find the humor and hope in a situation. We are all in this together, so why not have a bit of fun while stuck on the couch?
Learn more about how Synthesio’s social listening solutions can help to monitor organic social conversations during an uncertain time.
