Abstract
In the dynamic realm of social media, AI image generators like Midjourney and Dall-E3 have recently made a significant impact. This study explores the evolving interaction of Instagram users with these AI-generated images, focusing on the cultural phenomenon of memes. Initially, AI-generated images were obscure and differed markedly from the visual norms of social media users. However, advancements in AI technology have brought these images closer to conventional visual preferences, reshaping user interactions and content consumption on social networks. Memes, a prominent visual medium depicting everyday human experiences, have undergone significant transformations due to AI advancements. This shift is exemplified by the viral spread of AI-created memes like “opium bird” and “man, pizza, crocodile,” which, despite lacking a human or social backstory, have resonated with users as conventional memes. This research aims to understand why AI-generated memes, distinct from traditional memes, attract users. It hypothesizes that these memes appeal to the subconscious visual taste of users, shaped by their prior experiences with conventional memes. The methodology involves conducting in-depth interviews with these users of new types of memes. Through these interviews, the study seeks to gain insights into the current meme landscape and predict future trends, particularly the role of AI in meme evolution. This research is anticipated to contribute to our cognition of digital culture’s trajectory, particularly the intersection of AI and visual communication within social media.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—People, Education, and Technology for a Sustainable Future
KEYWORDS
Meme, Meme Culture, Ai-generated Imagery, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Culture
