The first characteristic of Internet memes is humour. Numerous consumers employ social media for social interaction and self-presentation; they like to spread content that makes other users feel happy. Therefore, they show their optimism and sense of fun (Shifman, 2014). When the propagation information of Internet memes has an entertainment characteristic, consumers consider them to have symbolic value and may reconstruct, share and propagate the meme to demonstrate they are optimistic and fun. When other users view, like or repost the meme because it is entertaining, they spread the meme further, resulting in more views. This also increases the brand’s positive associations (Gelb and Zinkhan, 1986), and the brand image is improved.The second characteristic of Internet memes is high emotional intensity (provoking high- arousal emotions). According to Shifman (2014), high positive emotional intensity is created when Internet consumers generate a feeling of elation in the face of something greater than oneself. Natural wonders, path-breaking scientific discoveries and people overcoming adversities are prominent examples of narratives that generate “Aw” or “Wow” responses. This behaviour further stimulates meme propagation, imitation and transformation (Berger and Milkman, 2012). When the disseminated information of Internet memes has high positive emotional intensity, consumers consider them “amazing” symbols that reflect their own positive or negative emotions. When other consumers view, like or repost a meme due to their emotions being aroused, the meme is further disseminated. This also means that the opportunities for interaction between the brand and consumers, and consumers’ positive brand associations increase, resulting in improved brand image. The third characteristic of an Internet meme is that it should be easy to propagate. Berger and Milkman (2012) reported that simple videos and jokes are more comfortable to share because users can easily understand them and assume others also easily understand them. When an Internet meme has the characteristic of being easier to understand, consumers consider it to have symbolic value and they may feel more comfortable propagating it. In this way, consumers propagate them more than through traditional marketing channels, thereby increasing consumers’ positive associations with the brand, and thus improving brand image.
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