Memeitis

Memeitis is a colloquial and unofficial term used to describe the rapid and widespread dissemination of a particular internet meme. It is not a recognized medical condition or psychological disorder. The term playfully suggests an "infection" or epidemic spread of a meme, highlighting its viral nature and how quickly it can become ubiquitous across various online platforms and social media.

The concept of memeitis often refers to the phenomenon where a specific image, video, phrase, or concept gains immense popularity and is replicated and adapted by numerous users in a short period. This can lead to a saturation of online spaces with variations of the same meme, sometimes to the point of becoming overused or losing its original humor for some individuals. The speed of memeitis is facilitated by the interconnectedness of the internet and the ease with which content can be shared and modified.

While the term is informal, it captures the essence of how cultural trends, especially within internet subcultures, can emerge and spread with remarkable velocity. It is often used humorously to comment on the prevalence of certain memes or to express a sense of being overwhelmed by their constant presence. The "symptoms" of memeitis, in this metaphorical sense, might include seeing the same meme in multiple contexts, encountering numerous interpretations, and feeling a sense of inevitability regarding its online visibility.