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The decline of memes: what happened to the old days?

The Meme Community's Dilemma | Nostalgia Meets a New Generation

By

Liam O'Reilly

Aug 12, 2025, 06:38 PM

Edited By

Tomoko Sato

Updated

Aug 12, 2025, 07:36 PM

2 minutes estimated to read

A collage of classic memes being overshadowed by modern meme styles and bots
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A wave of nostalgia collides with frustration in the meme community as long-term members express discontent over the rise of new users and bots. With claims that both elements are diluting genuine interactions, many are asking what has happened to the vibrant world they once knew.

Is the Essence of Memes Fading?

Members are voicing concerns that the original flavor of the meme culture is subtly slipping away. The shift from unique, creative memes to profit-driven posts has left many questioning the current state of the community.

A common sentiment echoes among the veterans: "Most of the people who bought under .01 are long gone, and those remaining are mostly new or opportunists." This emphasizes their view that newcomers, often dubbed "noobs," are reshaping discussions in ways that seemingly disregard the community's earlier values.

Notably, one commenter noted, "Doomers, FUD bots and trolls get a kick out of it."

Emerging Themes in the Conversation

  1. Profit-Driven Culture: Many shout that profit motives dominate today's posts over authentic meme-sharing.

  2. Nostalgia for Originality: Old-timers reflect on better times, longing for the creativity that defined the meme scene.

  3. Increased Bot Activity: The prevalence of automated postings is cited as a key component in the decline of genuine content.

"AI is slowly stealing the creativity away from the real G's who have posted bangers," lamented a veteran.

Community Responses Range Widely

While the feelings reflect a mix of frustration and nostalgia, some voices suggest potential solutions. Many long-term members call for an active revival of creativity, with estimates suggesting that about 60% of these users want to mentor newcomers. Users express the need to breathe life back into authentic content with comments like, "Bring back the memes!" One user even reminisced about a dedicated memer who posted for an impressive 200 consecutive weeks.

Key Takeaways in the Debate

  • πŸ”» Automated Posting: Critics agree that bot activity is stifling engagement.

  • πŸ”Ό Loss of Community Values: Veteran members believe that the spirit of the community is at risk.

  • πŸš€ Mentorship Potential: Calls for seasoned veterans to mentor new users could spark an influx of originality.

The Path Forward for Meme Culture

The meme community faces a crucial moment. As the younger generation embraces a more profit-driven mindset, older members must play a role in fostering creativity among newcomers. If they rise to the occasion, they could potentially reshape the dialogue and revitalize the meme culture. However, leaving trends toward automation and opportunism unchallenged might lead to a lasting divide, sending original creators to different forums seeking refuge.

This clash brings to light whether authenticity can emerge amid the noise, prompting a critical reevaluation of the community's future.