Exhibition 'Crit Club: “DO MEMES UNITE OR DIVIDE?”' in IMPAKT Centre for Mediaculture
Memes connect people with shared interests, humour or experiences and create communities ranging from fanbases to social movements. They are intrinsically collaborative: a digital idea that grows through participation. Their simple, recognisable formats make complex topics accessible and offer people from diverse backgrounds a platform for cultural and social conversations. Social media reinforces this process by encouraging users to remix content and create new meanings together.
Yet memes also have a polarising side. Their short, sharp form makes them prone to reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices, often with an ironic tone that makes criticism difficult. Politically, memes are often used as weapons to ridicule opponents. Social media algorithms amplify this effect by prioritising emotionally charged content, such as anger or outrage. This increases echo chambers and deepens gaps between groups.
During this debate, speakers such as Marc Tuters, Idil Galip and Clara Balaguer will use their perspectives on online subcultures, sociology and cultural production to explore the question ‘Do memes unite or divide?’ The debate will be moderated by Ilga Minjon
