Meme vs. Troll — What's the Difference?

Memes are pieces of media that spread virally through imitation and variation, often humorously conveying a cultural idea or joke. Trolls, however, are individuals who engage in internet discussions with the intent to provoke, upset, or deceive others, often for their amusement. While memes are shared content, trolls are people behaving in a certain way.

A meme can be an image, video, piece of text, etc., that is copied and spread rapidly by Internet users, often with slight variations. On the other side, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community with the intention of provoking readers into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion. Memes are meant to entertain or resonate with a group of people; trolls aim to disturb or manipulate the conversation.

The purpose of a meme is usually entertainment, cultural commentary, or social interaction. In contrast, the purpose of a troll is to provoke anger, start arguments, or cause disruption. While a meme can be created and shared with positive or humorous intent, trolling is generally negative. The shared nature of memes builds communities; trolling often attacks or undermines them.

While memes have become a part of internet culture, often reflecting societal attitudes or current events, trolls are seen as a problematic aspect of online communities. Memes can bring people together in shared humor or ideas, whereas trolls often seek to create division and strife. Both memes and trolling reflect the interactive nature of online culture but in markedly different ways.

The life cycle of a meme often involves it becoming widely recognized and referenced across various platforms and media. Trolls, however, usually operate on individual platforms, targeting specific communities or discussions. The spread of a meme is measured by its popularity and adaptability; the impact of a troll is measured by the disruption caused.