How memes transformed from pics of cute cats to health disinformation super-spreaders

Stephanie Alice Baker; Michael Walsh

How memes transformed from pics of cute cats to health disinformation super-spreaders

Stephanie Alice Baker
, Michael Walsh

Research output: Contribution to Newspaper/Magazine/Bulletin › Article

Abstract

If you think memes are simply online images of cute cats and celebrities with funny captions, then you might be surprised to learn that they can have a more sinister function. Our research shows that memes form part of a highly sophisticated strategy to spread and monetise health disinformation. Memes may appear trivial, but they should be taken seriously. Dismissing them as harmless jokes is to grossly underestimate their influence – and bolsters their power to spread potentially harmful health messages.

Original language	English
Pages	1-4
Number of pages	4
Specialist publication	The Conversation
Publication status	Published - 13 Feb 2024

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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https://theconversation.com/how-memes-transformed-from-pics-of-cute-cats-to-health-disinformation-super-spreaders-221680Licence: CC BY-ND

Cite this

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How memes transformed from pics of cute cats to health disinformation super-spreaders

Abstract

UN SDGs

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