Read the links below to prepare for our look at viral videos and Internet memes. For the Wikipedia entries, pay attention to the notices (if any) present at the top of the page; what do these suggest about Wikipedia and these entries in particular? Under “Internet Memes,” note the types of memes designated by Wikipedia editors. For the timeline, notice first how long and intricate it is; second, note how much it changes from day to day; third, notice in general what kinds of memes seem to take off.
This assignment is also posted to the course website (alternatively located through the high school’s Technology page). You must read through these entries before class discussion begins.
Note: It is impossible to shield you from every possibly offensive aspect of the Internet during a study like this. Be that as it may, you are capable of discernment and self-protection; simply be aware as you peruse Wikipedia or the timeline above that there are corners of the World Wide Web best left unexplored. Use your best judgment, and be careful.
