MEMETICA finding:
“Much of the study of memes focuses on groups of memes called meme complexes, or “memeplexes.” Like the gene complexes found in biology, memeplexes are groups of memes that are often found present in the same individual. Applying the theory of Universal Darwinism, memeplexes group together because memes will copy themselves more successfully when they are “teamed up”. Examples include sets of memes like Thanksgiving dinner or allegiance to a flag.
Unlike gene complexes, memeplexes do not have to benefit the genes in order to replicate. A memeplex including sexual abstinence is genetically harmful, but the memeplex itself is still able to replicate through means of cultural or horizontal transmission. Memes and memeplexes do not have to be true to replicate, although the feeling of something being true or truthiness is beneficial to a meme’s replication.”
Richard Dawkins, The Selfish Gene
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