Memetic Theory

Memetic Theory, developed by Richard Dawkins, suggests that ideas and cultural practices, similar to genes, spread and evolve through societies. These "memes" can be anything from trends, phrases, beliefs, to behaviors. They replicate by being shared and adopted by individuals, often evolving over time as they adapt to different contexts. Just as natural selection shapes biological traits, memes compete for attention and survival in human culture. This theory helps explain how certain ideas become popular or fade away, illuminating the dynamics of cultural evolution.