Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Exploring Memes as a Form of Illness Trivialization in Young People: Social and Psychological Consequences—A Literature Review

Xuan WuZhejiang Wanli University* Yaqi SongTangshan Normal University Xinrui ZhaoHuamao International School

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

In recent years, network culture and humor, particularly among young people, have exhibited distinct age-related characteristics. A notable and concerning trend within this culture is the increasing trivialization phenomenon of serious illnesses. Conditions such as depression, suicide, bipolar disorder, and Down Syndrome are increasingly being trivialized and used as subjects of “jokes” and “self-mockery” in online discourse and everyday conversation. While diseases are humorized and made light of, many patients and their families, who are deeply affected by these illnesses, continue to struggle not only with the challenges of the diseases themselves but also with the social stigma that results from such trivialization. This phenomenon of trivializing illness not only deepens the suffering of affected individuals, but also further erodes societal empathy in an era where interpersonal alienation is on the rise. Drawing on previous research in the field of Sociology, Psychology and Communication studies, this paper seeks to explore the underlying causes of young people’s tendency to trivialize serious diseases and to propose corresponding solutions to address this issue.

Keywords: illness trivialization; stigma; public cognition; humor
Published: December 26, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2024.18988
Volume: CHR Vol.64
pp. 50-55
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