摘要：We examined the influence of meme consistency (vs. inconsistency) andintragroup status on the spread of memes in virtual communities. Prior researchsuggests that information consistent with the theme of the group is remembered betterand that ideas threatening to the group identity are rejected. In addition, previousresearch shows that low-status group members mimic high-status members andcommunicate with them to seek information and approval. We analyzed socialinteractions among members of four online forums from January 1, 2010, to February21, 2014. Contrary to our prediction, our results show that memes initiated by low-statusmembers spread faster than memes started by high- or moderate-status members. In linewith prior research, memes that were consistent with a forum theme were spread morefrequently than inconsistent memes.
