What is npc meme?

The NPC meme, short for "Non-Player Character" meme, gained popularity in late 2018 as a way to satirize perceived conformity and lack of critical thinking, particularly among certain political groups. The meme uses the visual representation of a video game <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Non-Player%20Character">Non-Player Character</a>, which is a character controlled by the game's AI rather than a human player, and therefore has pre-programmed responses and actions.

The core concept of the meme is to portray individuals as lacking independent thought and simply repeating common phrases or opinions without understanding their deeper meaning. This is visually represented by characters with a blank, emotionless expression and often reciting predictable or generic statements. Gray, featureless avatars are also frequently used.

While initially intended as political satire, the NPC meme was quickly adopted and adapted across various online communities and used to criticize a wide range of behaviors and beliefs. Its controversial nature stems from its potential to dehumanize individuals and stereotype entire groups. It has been used to attack political opponents, portray people with differing viewpoints as mindless followers, and even mock individuals' perceived lack of originality or individuality.

The meme's origins can be traced back to certain online forums and communities that often engage in political discussions. The term "NPC" itself was likely borrowed from gaming culture, where it has a very specific and harmless meaning. The adoption of this term to label real people with political or ideological differences transformed its meaning and sparked considerable debate about the ethics of online expression and the potential for dehumanization.