Memes and Reels for Communication?

Funny meme I had some across my Facebook feed.
@noni1959 (13162)
United States
August 8, 2026 7:08pm CST
Lately, I’ve realized I’m completely burned out on memes and reels being used as a substitute for conversation. I’m not talking about random internet friends. These are people I actually know. Today alone, I deleted several texts and messenger chats on Facebook and Instagram because they were mostly memes, reels, and links. When I ignore them, I'm met with the "are you ok?" memes. I know some people enjoy communicating that way. They see something funny or interesting, send it to someone, and to them that is a way of staying in touch. There’s nothing wrong with that. But every conversation? It just doesn’t make me feel connected to someone. If I ask how you’re doing, I want to hear how you’re doing. If I tell you about something that happened in my day, I’d like a response that tells me what you think. I want conversations where we ask each other questions, tell stories, share ideas, laugh about something, or even disagree once in a while. I’ve tried explaining this to people. Sometimes the response is something like, “Sorry I’m such a burden,” which isn’t what I said at all. Other times I’ll get a hug meme or another pre-made response. Somehow, even a conversation about wanting more actual conversations turns into more memes. A meme once in a while can be funny. A reel can give us something to talk about. But I don’t want those things to become the conversation. If I ask someone if they’ve been somewhere, seen something, read a certain book, or watched a movie, I don’t need a meme coming back as the answer. Otherwise, it’s a pretty quick way to get me to stop responding. Maybe some people are simply more comfortable letting memes and reels do the talking for them. I’m realizing more and more that I’m not. I know some people may not have something to say at the time, and that is OK. How do you feel about memes and reels being used as your voice? Do you feel like you’re having a conversation when someone communicates that way?
8 people like this
8 responses
9 Aug
I have not got the faintest idea about this. Sorry
3 people like this
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
Memes and reels? like the photo I posted is a meme but these people do it for conversation. Not using words.
2 people like this
1h
@noni1959 I am none the wiser I would not understand any of it And I am glad of that
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (124060)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
21h
I find memes the latter part of the story since it feels odd.
3 people like this
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
It's odd indeed. It's one thing to share something funny, but another to use as conversation.
@AmbiePam (124498)
• United States
21h
I don’t use them unless it’s Easter and I need a Christian greeting beyond Happy Easter. Heck, I don’t even know how to do a reel.
2 people like this
@jstory07 (149248)
• Roseburg, Oregon
21h
I like to hear real stories or have a real conversations with people.
2 people like this
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
Yes! Can you imagine if Mylot was everyone commenting with a image of a meme?
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (57081)
• Canada
6h
I think that memes can get a point across but in a very impersonal way. Afterall, it is someone else's thoughts and point being made.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
Hope this doesn't duplicate. I'm having issues with delays here today. If they can spend a lot of time looking for a meme or reel to say what they are thinking, they can say it. I am no longer opening up over 30 reels a day from various people.
@DaddyEvil (176723)
• United States
11h
I've never run into that type of "communication". When I run out of things to say in a conversation, I'll give a hug emoji or just stop responding.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (176723)
• United States
1h
@noni1959 It's a shame they don't actually want to talk to you.
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
That is a perfect ending. I told someone today nicely I don't want to communicate this way anymore and received another meme! Now, I'm not opening the messages.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (385929)
• Rockingham, Australia
20h
I would feel the same as you although it doesn't actually happen to me. I'm not online enough I guess.
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
I'm not online often, but do check my messenger on both Instagram and Facebook, plus text messages on my phone. I keep my notifications off so not to have these come across driving me nuts.
@Wrexxo (4701)
19h
I just feel like it can be used once in a while..it becomes annoying if it gets too much
1 person likes this
@noni1959 (13162)
• United States
1h
Yes! Once in awhile is OK with me too. All the time? It turns on my ick factor.