DESIGNING MEMES AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING DIGITAL AND VISUAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE IN ADOLESCENTS

This research examines internet memes as a culturally significant and pedagogically valuable tool for developing adolescents’ digital and visual communication skills. Memes function as multimodal texts that combine images, typography, and emotional coding, enabling young people to express their identity, negotiate social belonging, and participate in networked cultures. Based on Shifman and Milner's conceptualization of memes as digital culture, as well as research on adolescents’ self-expression and emotional communication online, this study highlights how meme- creating activities foster the development of critical thinking, visual literacy, creativity, and media awareness. The presented pedagogical model combines design principles, psychological aspects of adolescence, and reflective visual practices. The results of the study confirm the effectiveness of using meme design as an educational strategy in digital media environments.