2020s memes shifted to social commentary through popular formats and critically engaging with culture, while new technologies like AI impact creation and dissemination at an ever faster pace.
In the early 2020s, memes took on a more "post-ironic" tone, focusing on cultural criticism and reflection over surrealism. Popular meme formats like Wojak and Chad vs Virgin made social commentary. Depression became a common topic for memes to discuss mental health openly and critically. Among Us blew up in 2020 during the pandemic, reaching oversaturation levels and spawning absurd memes that both celebrated and criticized its popularity. AI is increasingly used to create memes but also protested as it advances each month. Younger generations on TikTok accelerate the meme life cycle, bringing more variety than ever before.
Reference:https://trending.knowyourmeme.com/editorials/insights/what-is-a-meme-the-history-and-evolution-of-memes-explained