What is Meme Theory

This chapter explores content creation in relation to internet memes and the origin of the concept of memes as explained by Richard Dawkins' meme theory. It argues that as transmitters and replicators of cultural information memes, including social media content have the potential to serve as powerful and effective vehicles for disseminating cultural information and creating cultural spaces. For students, social media use is often a part of their daily routine and lifestyle with a focus on professional use. Using the case study of a first-year course at an HBCU, the chapter explores how the “everything is content” philosophy can be applied in instruction to curate a cultural classroom space, foster students' abilities to make connections between academic and social content and encourage students' critical thinking of their role in the creation and sharing of cultural through their social media use.