Research into Internet memes in the light of knowledge about new media – methodological challenges

Abstract

Internet memes are differentiated visual forms: ranging from images with witty captions to various mobile or static graphics, which often contain larger fragments of text. A meme as a carrier of information is a complex unit, which partly uses the definition of journalistic writing. The anlaysis of memes requires careful methodology. In the case of this short but multiaspectual mini-genre, mixed research methods are necessary. It is worth remembering that a meme, as a unit, is not only a visual and verbal layer, but also a spectrum of tools, the possibility of assessment and comments by users.