Carl Chen, “The creation and meaning of Internet memes in 4chan: Popular Internet culture in the age of online digital reproduction”, Habitus 3, 2012, pp. 6-19.
Abstract: From lolcats to memes, Internet gimmicks have become more and more prominent in popular cul- ture, giving rise to interactive communities such as “Yale Memes.” As a result, these viral images have be- come institutionalized as a genre with its own estab- lished culture and norms. Carl Chen (MC ‘13, So- ciology) traces this Internet phenomenon back to its roots in the site 4chan and examines the forum using Habermas’s idea of public spheres and Macdonald’s theory of mass culture while also providing insight
on the political culture promoted by these Internet communities. Ultimately, Chen’s analysis allows us a new perspective of contemporary Internet culture and the social implications for their worldwide audience participants. Read more