Memes as health communication through the lens of COVID-19: a concept analysis

A meme is a humorous combination of imagery, video, or words that includes textual and subtextual messaging. COVID-19 saw a rise in the sharing of memes and memes used to address healthcare and surrounding social issues. We conducted a concept analysis of internet memes through the lens of health communication and the COVID-19 pandemic using Walker & Avant’s (2019) framework, including background, literature review, synthesis, and summary of attributes. Our analysis utilized a review of literature from the databases Academic Search Elite, Communication & Mass Media Complete, CINAHL, PubMed, and PsycINFO, using inclusion criteria of “meme,” “health communication,” and “COVID”. By examining memes through the lens of health communication, educators and practitioners will gain a deeper understanding of memes and how memes may support or sabotage the education of individuals, communities, and students. We identify and expand on key attributes associated with memes: virality/evolution, iteration, community in/out-grouping, and humor.