Yep, the term “trend” is on its way out and it’s being replaced by the meme according to the guys at Rocket Boom who created  http://knowyourmeme.com  They spend every day tracking memes and identifying what really makes a meme sticky. So what are memes exactly? They are organic approaches to culture that have a life of their own. They spread, reproduce and replicate. Memes are a cross between fame and street cred. Most grow up on the internet, hit their stride when the NY Times covers them and then die if overexposed. Here’s some great examples from the panel of memes with staying power:

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/bear-grylls-better-drink-my-own-piss

http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/inception

And one of my personal favs…the facepalm.