Why Do People Steal Memes?

I've been noticing a trend. I see a meme floating around and then other people claim it as their own. I always thought the person who created the meme should get the credit. Am I mistaken?

For example, I saw this one originally posted at LurkAtHomeMom:

At least I'm almost positive it was posted there first. I know she's a popular blogger with a high social media following. Her stuff cracks me up.

But then I noticed that same meme being created by OTHER bloggers. And they put THEIR name on it as though they created it and I'm like:

Source

I've noticed three other bloggers doing this with that very meme. I don't know if they're claiming this meme as their own or what, but I know they re-created it with a new font and color and had their name on it. I wanted to say something like, "Yeah, that was funny when Lurk At Home Mom did it," but then I was worried I'd come across snotty.

I mean. It was the EXACT same wording. They didn't even try to change it at all. All they did was change the box and font.

I sort of had something like this done, but it was partially my fault. You see, I shared this on my Facebook blog page:

But when I first shared it, I didn't have my info on it. This was one of my first memes and I didn't realize it was wise to do so. But then again, it doesn't seem to matter, as people will take your words and put it on another photo.  (See: Mary Poppins meme.)

Anyhow, someone put it on her page and didn't give me credit. She made it seem like SHE created it, so I said something. Politely. I said she could keep it on her page, but if she could please mention that I created it, I'd be appreciative. She just deleted it, but I never got an apology.

Here's the thing: changing the color of the box or changing the font of the original meme doesn't mean it's yours. The words belong to SOMEONE ELSE and were created by SOMEONE ELSE and you need to give them credit for it. I tend to lose respect for people who take other people's memes. I mean yeah, I totally get if you make a meme that sounds similar to another one out there and you genuinely didn't know. With millions of people online, it happens. At this point I've made several memes and I'll spot other memes out there that sound pretty much the same. No biggie.

But when you use the exact same words as someone else and put your name on it?

No. Don't do it. Be cool. Give credit when credit is due. Or share the original meme on your page if it has their info on it so your followers know it belongs to someone else.


Have you noticed meme stealing? Would you say something?