I interviewed people about how the create, use and interact with memes in online communities as part of a research project into building online communities using memes. These are the key takeaways from one of those interviews. The interviewee is has been anonymized for privacy purposes. You may use these notes for secondary research purposes as long as I am credited.
INTERVIEWEE: ZH
Platform Preferences:
- Prefers to use Google for finding and sharing memes, specifically using Giphy (GIF search engine). Has moved away from using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram due to distractions.
Meme Sharing Behavior:
- Frequently shares GIFs with friends, family, and coworkers via platforms like Slack, WhatsApp, and iPhone Messenger. Uses different GIFs depending on the audience (e.g., more professional ones for coworkers).
Meme Sharing Motivation:
- Motivated to share memes that are funny, relevant, and appropriate for the context of the conversation. Ensures that the content aligns with the recipient’s sense of humor.
Frequency of Meme Sharing:
- Shares memes more frequently with friends and family, less so with coworkers to maintain professionalism. Typically shares daily with friends and a few times a week with coworkers.
Content of Shared Memes:
- Typically shares humorous and animated GIFs, particularly those that are relevant to the time of day or situation (e.g., morning blues, Friday mood). Prioritizes the quality and relevance of the GIF.
Meme Success Factors:
- Believes timing and relevance are key factors in the success of a meme. Humor is crucial, but the meme must also fit the context of the conversation.
Interest in Meme Analytics:
- Does not track analytics but is curious about how funny or relevant his shared content is. Would be interested in a “funny meter” or relevance indicator if such features existed.
Final Remarks:
- Would like to know more about creating custom GIFs and how often people create their own versus using pre-existing ones. Emphasizes the importance of convenience and speed in sharing memes, which is why Google is his preferred tool.