LOLs, lulz, and ROFL: the culture, fun, and serious business of Internet memes

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