Memes are part of the fabric of internet culture. But at a time when there’s such a disparity between reality and social media perfection, the subversion of the classic meme format reflects a shift in how people express themselves digitally. How do nihilist memes show the silver lining of sadness?

The American Dialect Society (ADS) has selected 'dumpster fire' to define the collective mindset of the US over 2016. The term conveys the concept of an uncontrollable disaster, marking a notably sarcastic response to a serious issue, and suggesting a cavalier attitude towards the future.

Instagram is awash with wellness bloggers posting pics of macrobiotic salads and Lycra-clad abs. How’s the average person expected to keep up? Bella Younger glamorises an alternative lifestyle with Deliciously Stella, choosing crisps over kale and a deep-fat fryer over a NutriBullet.

If Faisal Islam, Ralph Keyes and theNew York Timesare to be believed, the Trump candidacy and the vote for Brexit show we've entered a post-truth era – a world where emotion and populism win out over facts and experts. But is it true? And do emotional appeals really trump facts and figures?