StC News

Exploring the History of Memes

Chas Steinbrugge '20, accomplished social media creator, hosts a humorous history of the online phenomenon.
Chas Steinbrugge '20 is, for lack of a better title, StC's resident meme expert. Last week, Steinbrugge hosted a history lesson in Upper School chapel that explored the trend from its 1970s roots of the phrase to its contemporary digital context. 

Steinbrugge certainly has credibility. His personal meme page, @trigomemetry, boasts more than one hundred and fifty thousand followers and he was recently highlighted by Insider for his unique take on sharing online content. 

Steinbrugge asks content creators, celebrities or influencers for permission to re-post their tweets or posts and credits them using the MLA format. In an online environment where the rules about using digital content are poorly understood or simply ignored, his approach to posting memes was shaped by the focus on integrity and honesty at StC. "I think it was heavily influenced by the honor system and not wanting to steal other's work but also wanting to share it at the same time," he said.

Steinbrugge plans on continuing to build his meme page and to keep producing content even after he graduates from StC. "I see no reason to stop," he said. "It's actually going on my college application." 






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