Ah, the humble animated GIF. We use them on social media or in text messages as a way to signify a reaction, tell a story, or just to have a laugh. 

This week on Function, we explore the origins of GIFs; their place in internet culture; and why GIFs have flown under the copyright radar. Anil speaks with Kenyatta Cheese, a long-time Internet historian and co-creator of Know Your Meme, talks about the history of the GIF format and how GIFs became a fundamental part of meme and internet culture.

Then he's joined by T. Kyle MacMahon, digital and social producer for Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. about his website RealityTVGIFs, his thoughts on how animated GIFs have influenced modern television, and why these images aren't going away any time soon.

Show notes and references:Dancing babyMichael Jackson eating popcornTeresa Guidice flipping a tableAngela "Big Ang" RaiolaTiffany "New York" Pollard