SVMC Hosts Life Hacks Meme Competition for Teens
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southwestern Vermont Medical Center invites teenagers to design and submit memes - images with text that spread a cultural phenomenon or idea. It's an opportunity for students to bring attention to issues that are most important to them, like dealing with stress, snacking healthfully, understanding parents, and getting enough sleep.
Winners will receive movie tickets to Bennington Cinemas. The first-place contestant will win five tickets; second place, three tickets; and third place, two tickets. Winning memes will be posted through SVMC's Life Hacks system and sent via text message to smart phones across New England.
Youth consume digital media at a staggering rate, and currently memes are a central focus. Well-crafted memes are very memorable and influence youth culture and behaviors. SVMC has been sending memes to teens and young adults for more than a year. The program at SVMC aims to use memes created by students to influence the attitudes and behaviors of their peers, increase feelings of self-worth, and reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases. Simple suggestions, like drinking a glass of water within the next 10 minutes, can impact long-term health. Receiving a meme that specifically encourages the teen or young adult can serve as a powerful nudge to action or create a sense of acceptance and inclusion.
To start receiving SVMC's Life Hacks Memes by text message, simply text "GO" to 802-768-9224 and then respond "agree" to the subsequent terms and conditions. Anyone older than 13 years of age can join. The memes are fun for all ages, and suggestions often apply not just for teens or young adults. Participants will receive one meme per week via text message. Most memes will be interactive.
SVMC’s meme competition will run throughout the month of January. Enter by emailing a meme as an attachment for a chance to win movie tickets.
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