From perplexity:
People buy meme coins for several reasons:

1. Potential for high returns: Some investors are attracted to meme coins due to their potential for explosive price growth in a short period. The success stories of early Dogecoin or Shiba Inu investors have fueled this perception[1][3].

2. Low entry barrier: Meme coins are often very cheap, allowing investors to purchase large quantities for a small amount of money. This can be psychologically appealing, especially to younger or novice investors[1].

3. Community and entertainment: Buying meme coins often means joining a vibrant online community. Many investors enjoy the shared experience, humor, and sense of belonging that comes with participating in meme coin culture[2][4].

4. Speculation and gambling: Some treat meme coins as a form of gambling, hoping to profit from short-term price movements driven by hype and social media trends[3].

summary: 
- make $
- make friends 
- have fun