Reference: "Brain Wave Diary" (Dateline 04/04/00).

It is time to talk "Meme"

Recently I noticed in the popular press a re-emergence of "meme" theory.

Simplistically - a "meme" is a virtual mind virus which when transmitted from person to person precipitates a "mass" adherence to the message or program of the "meme". The "meme" message can be associated with mild to extreme mass compulsions to do almost anything imaginable, where strangely, the "meme" infected deem the activity to be "normal" even though "normally" they would be aghast at their participation in the hysteria. Afterwards, they find it difficult to believe they were caught up in the event or joined in with the popular thinking of the "meme" program or message.

"Meme" infections can motivate masses to inexplicably side with either positive, just silly or negative fads or worse.

Examples of "memed out" populations abound and occur regularly. Often the episode is characterized by the word craze or fad as in hoola hoops, pet rock collecting, beanie babies, pokemon, body jewellery, afro cuts, perms leisure suits, or any manner of likewise mass compulsiveness.

There is a dark side to "meme" power as it can also manifest itself as a craze to kill, massacre, riot, contribute to genocide or mass suicides. Such appears to be the power of "meme". Ordinary folks with ordinary aspirations inexplicably caught up in mass madness. Just as quickly the mind "virus" passes leaving people shocked, bewildered or at least puzzled that they were a party to the mass event. I have heard many thoughts as to why mass frenzy can happen, but I must admit the "meme" theory rings strangely true with me.

Of course I wonder at what form a "meme" must be to become a "virtual" activating thought virus. I think I read somewhere there must be an imbedded mental component which triggers when activated by a correct message sequence. This would explain why some messages just fall on deaf ears and others seemingly trigger a fierce, unstoppable urge to participate. An urge so strong that murder is possible to get a beanie baby - no small force this virus.

Anyway, I was intrigued by this line of theory and thought I would ask the reader for their take on the topic.

Other related thoughts to consider:

- What if somebody has found the recipe to seed "memes" purposefully?

- Is there any defence for an individual against "meme" infection?

- How can we ensure "memes" are not reality to be faced by us?

- Could "GOOD" memes be the way to human salvation?

Your perspective is appreciated.

"Whatever you pursue gains credibility... even undeserving things."