Memes are kind of a paradox in that they are the most predictable and unpredictable things at the same time. On the one hand, we can scroll through a list like this and see many of the formats and topics that have been perennially popular for the funny little picture subsection of memery for many, many years. On the other, we never can predict the ways in which this will be remixed and reimagined for our viewing pleasure. 

In essence, they perfectly capture our need for novelty, while at the same time encouraging the comfort of things staying the same. That’s an addictive combination, so it’s no wonder that they have continued to be popular for so long. We’re also indebted to the fact that we’re all wedded to our phones, but that’s a whole other conversation. It doesn’t need to enter our minds when all we want to do is look at some more memes.