I wouldn’t classify memes as having a super virtuous reputation. Usually, when they’re in the news, they’re tied to some wild political movement or dangerous trend where kids are hurting themselves. Memes are a moral grey, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying something that doesn’t make you a better person. In fact, what media consumption actually makes you a better person? I remember sitting in an English class in college and listening to my fellow students make the claim that studying literature makes you a more empathetic and virtuous person. I was appalled by the smugness and narcissism of these claims. Now that I think about it, maybe looking at memes DOES make you better because you’re at least better than those numbnuts who thought reading a book made them Mother Theresa. Memes are by the people, for the people, and haven’t been co-opted by foolish academics, and that’s what makes them the greatest modern form of media consumption.