For the first time in Google’s relatively short history, searches for ‘memes’* are greater in number than searches for ‘Jesus’.

We’re not sure if this represents a high point or a catastrophic low, but we do know this: it makes a convenient and valuable point about accessible social media content.

The historical moment was marked by Twitter user @Kuwaddo, who posted the below screengrab from Google analytics.

 

 

As you can see, Jesus’ popularity is pretty much constant, with spikes around Christmas and Easter. But memes are a growing phenomenon, and the line is continuing to head upwards.

So what?

What can we take from this? Erm, yeah. Loads. There will be a host of conclusions a theologian could take from this, such as the social factors affecting the popularity of religion and the challenges it faces in remaining relevant to younger audiences in the 21st century, but we’re not touching that one with a 50-foot pole.

Instead, we can comment on the growth of memes: people’s love of easily shareable, entertaining content shows no sign of abating. We have blogged before about the importance of engagement, and the importance of keeping content interesting and accessible.

Furthermore, Google is an outstanding barometer of audience and consumer habits and interests: if people want memes, then it makes sense to give them memes.

* Not sure what a meme is? You need to know two things. 1) It’s pronounced ‘meem’. One syllable. 2) it’s one of these:

 

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