Are you familiar with the “internet memes?”
If you are currently reading this, then you probably have at least one social media account and maybe you’re already familiar with those captioned photos or videos circulating on the internet what commonly known as the internet meme or simply as “meme.”
There are actually lots of memes circulating on the internet. Some were made and shared to educate or to give information, to express one’s beliefs, fashions, standards, or any culturally-relevant idea that spreads from person to person via internet or social media platforms. Among those memes circulating on the internet, the most common are those funny videos/photos usually intended to elicit humor.
During the past strict quarantine months, we probably had enough spare time with ourselves at home. We tried (and still trying) to do things that could help us survive this so-called “new normal.” It’s hard to adjust especially if you are not used to this kind of setting being at home almost everyday, for several months. Sometimes we try new things or try to explore and hone our own personality just to remain and keep a well-balanced life.
Aside from watching movies/series, reading books, cooking, and the like, the use of social media is another way of keeping ourselves busy and to have fun despite our current situation. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for example are being used by most of us to connect with our loved ones and of course, to share or express ourselves especially during this time that there are lots of things in our mind that we want to share and be heard. One way to express our feelings and thoughts about almost anything is by sharing or creating internet memes.
Moreover, because of having lots of time with ourselves, we sometimes tend to think (or overthink) about our future, the uncertainties of life and even the things we think we simply lack of such as our postponed goals, finances, love, etc. We tend to magnify almost everything. For example, you might find or read a Facebook post or a shared post, particularly a meme from your friend, about how sad he/she is for being single especially during this time of pandemic and quarantine period, and that it would be a lot better if he/she is in a relationship. On the other hand, some were posting or sharing memes related to the standards of true and perfect love.
Those are actually some of the most shared and well-known internet memes circulating on the internet these days. They can easily go viral because of their “social media appeal” (or simply because it’s timely or “uso”). These are called “hugot memes” – related to romantic relationships pertaining to the standards of love or even about what an ideal perfect partner should be.
Few examples of hugot memes include:
“Kung mahal ka talaga niya, hindi ka matitiis niyan”
“Kung mahal ka talaga, iintindihin ka niya”
“Malapit na ang Pasko, single ka pa rin”
“Mabuti na ang maliit, wag lang single” or “Sana all in a relationship”
“A man/woman is incomplete until he/she is married”
“If you love a [insert profession], raise your glass! If you don’t… Raise your standards!”
Again, most of the memes are intended to elicit humor. However, that humor can also lead to set false “social standards” that could alter one’s personal growth and lead to disappointment, and worst, may lead to some mental health issues. Memes are actually defined and used by most of us as a form of entertainment. However, some of those memes like those examples mentioned above are being improperly used. We should be vigilant and discerning to whatever we read online. Not because it is timely or shared by thousands of people doesn’t mean that we have to follow and make it our own standards. Like some of those hugot memes that could influence our views about love.
Let us revisit some of the examples of hugot memes mentioned above:
“Kung mahal ka talaga niya, hindi ka matitiis niyan.”
“Kung mahal ka talaga, Iintindihin ka niya.”
It’s really great (and probably romantic) to find or have someone who will accept and understand us, someone who’s afraid of losing us and someone who will do everything for us. Because (they think) that’s love, but it’s actually not.
Another example is, “Mabuti na ang maliit, wag lang single” or “Sana all in a relationship.” Though it’s witty and entertaining, some people are using it as a derogatory term /phrase as if there is something wrong with being single, as if having a love life equates to happiness and a perfect life.
If those hugot memes are your standards of a perfect love, then maybe you just want to be loved, but you don’t want to share love. If that is your principle in finding a perfect partner, then maybe you just want to be understood but you don’t want to understand others.
Again, there is nothing wrong with sharing and reading memes online particularly those hugot memes especially if it’s for fun. We just have to be discerning and sensible with what we read online, on what to accept and what to reject in order for us to enjoy the benefits of those hugot memes.
Guard yourself and don’t be deceived by society’s standards of love.
There is more to life than love life.