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Memes and X

DISCUSSION 06

February 24, 2023

CS H195, Spring 2023 @ UC Berkeley

Instructor: Lisa Yan

GSI: Ethan Ordentlich

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Memes and Identity

Let’s first look at memes from a “bottom-up” perspective:

(Here, we use the academic definition of meme – an idea that spreads; closer to “viral content”, which is a superset of “funny internet picture”)

  • Do you see memes in your life? Where? What kind?
    • What came to mind first?
    • If you don’t think you see memes, are you sure?
  • Did you share different memes from your group? Why do you think this might be the case?

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Memes and Capitalism and Governance (a.k.a. Project 1)

Now for a “top-down” perspective: let’s talk about the systems in which memes exist and spread or fizzle out.

  • Project 1: Companies earn revenue from “interactions”.
    • Often, creators of popular content receive corresponding payment (subscriptions, ad revenue share, etc.)
  • Do memes need a corporate platform? (Twitter and Tear Gas)
  • We talked about code-of-conduct and free speech earlier in the term. Let’s continue the conversation in the context of “proliferation of harmful memes”.

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