Decoding the Metaphor of Humor: Understanding Why Filipino Cybernauts Cannot Stop Clicking on Internet Memes

Abstract

Internet memes have become popular among the Filipino youth cybernauts community. It is so pervasive that it's difficult not to encounter one on any of the social media platforms. However, even if they are popular, little is known about why they are widespread. This study aimed to know why Filipino youth cybernauts always share memes on the Internet. Specifically, it answered the following questions: (1) How do they perceive Internet memes?; (2) How do Internet memes affect their connections with other people?; and (3) What are the implications of Internet memes on them? To gather data for the study, interviews, with the use of an interview guide, were conducted with the participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collected were analyzed through thematic analysis. The participants were ten (10) Filipino youth cybernauts. This study shows the following points: (1) Internet memes are perceived as a way of showing to others their humanness; (2) Internet memes strengthen the connections and the relations they do have with others; and (3) Internet memes make them feel emotions that drive them human. From the study’s findings, it was concluded that Internet memes play a big role in the life of most Filipino youth cybernauts, and it is, therefore, recommended that they should be properly guided in the Internet realm on how they handle activities concerning Internet memes in general.