Popular Memes
By the mid-2000s, certain meme formats achieved global recognition. Image macros, reaction images, and viral pranks became the norm, spreading through platforms like Reddit, 4chan, and Tumblr. Memes such as "Rickrolling" became part of internet lore, inspiring countless adaptations and spin-offs.
These memes also reflected shared cultural experiences, allowing people to participate in a collective joke that transcended individual communities. The remixing of existing content became a hallmark of the medium, demonstrating how humor could evolve collaboratively online.