Memes in the development of critical thinking

Abstract

In the current context, memes have become a tool for social, cultural, and political expression that impacts the development of critical thinking in students. However, the problem arises in determining how effective memes are in developing critical and reflective skills in the educational field. The objective of this research is to analyze the role of memes in the critical thinking process among third-year high school students at the Cotopaxi Provincial Educational Unit during the 2024-2025 school year. The methodology employed is quantitative, descriptive, and non-experimental, based on a survey with a ten-question questionnaire validated by experts, addressed to 36 students. The results show that most students believe memes enhance their participation, motivation, and critical analysis, especially on social and political issues, fostering debate and the understanding of complex ideas. However, memes have a superficial nature that limits in-depth reflection, and their use requires critical analysis and verification of the information conveyed. Finally, memes must be used appropriately and accompanied by reflective processes to enhance critical thinking skills in students.