Lols, Lulz, and ROFL: the Culture, Fun, and Serious Business of Internet Memes
LOLs, Lulz, and ROFL: The Culture, Fun, and Serious Business of Internet Memes by Noah David Levinson Bachelor of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, 2012 Submitted to the Faculty of The University of Pittsburgh Honors College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy University of Pittsburgh 2012 UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH University Honors College This thesis was presented by Noah David Levinson It was defended on July 30, 2012 and approved by Gabriella Coleman, PhD, Department of Art History & Communications, McGill University Dana Och, PhD, Film Studies Program Annette Vee, PhD, English Department Thesis Advisor: Daniel Morgan, PhD, Film Studies Program ii Copyright © by Noah David Levinson 2012 iii LOLs, Lulz, and ROFL: The Culture, Fun, and Serious Business of Internet Memes Noah David Levinson, BPhil University of Pittsburgh, 2012 This thesis takes an analytical look into the workings of Internet Memes and the culture that surrounds and nourishes them. Through a selection of Internet Meme case studies, a list of cultural qualities are compiled and then used to identify the attitudes of Internet Meme Culture. Then by comparing the relationship between Internet Memes and advertising, film, and television, a contrast between Old and New Media is established. Alongside using political Memes to find connections between Internet Memes and general expression and communication, the final hope is to understand Internet Meme Culture and where it might take Mass and Popular Culture as the digital millennial becomes the new digital citizens. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION: WHY STUDY INTERNET MEMES? ............................................. 1 1.1 WEB 3.33333333… AND BRONIES ......................................................................
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