Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Fall 2021
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Anthropology and Museum Studies
Committee Chair
Rodrigo Renteria-Valencia
Second Committee Member
Aaron Montgomery
Abstract
Memes have become a key part of modern living on the Internet. However, it is still unclear who is creating, sharing and interacting with memes. This study examines meme use in college students at Central Washington University while also examining the definition of a meme within the population. Data were collected via questionnaire and interviews resulting in 14 responses and 18 total interviews conducted with 6 participants. Analysis suggests that college students use memes as an important component of private conversations and to reiterate their public identities. On the other hand, meme making is not as prevalent as other types of meme use and is often not recognized as meme making by participants in this study. Additionally, participants’ meme definitions were fluid and expansive but similar to definitions laid out in current literature.
Recommended Citation
Smith, Skyler, "What Do You Meme? An Analysis of How College Students at Central Washington University Use Memes" (2021). Undergraduate Honors Theses. 39.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/undergrad_hontheses/39