The Cognitive and Emotional Characteristics of Memes Created at the Initial Stage of the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020

Abstract

This article engages in the topic of cognitive and emotional characteristics of memes which were created at the first stage of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in March 2020. Taking for the point of departure Richard Dawkins’ concept of a meme as a replicator of a cultural information unit, this article presents different definitions of Internet memes. Their role in communication through the Internet is described during the obligatory social distancing period as well as their functions in the social life. The article also discusses the memes’ significance as a transfer of information and emotions during quarantine imposed on the Polish society from March to June 2020. The goal of this article is to answer four research questions. What spheres of life do the Internet memes about the coronavirus, the pandemic, and the quarantine refer to, and what threads do they follow? What emotions do they express? What needs or events do they respond to? And, what can one deduce about social moods based on the memes selected for the study?