Internet memes: the Snowden scandal

Abstract

The purpose of this study is studying which concept of privacy derives from a set of internet memes (imemes) about the Snowden’s revelations regarding mass-surveillance programs from the United States National Security Agency (NSA). Particularly, we wanted to assess if there was a greater emphasys on how privacy as a social value was being vulnerated, or if the focus were on the consequences this vulneration have for individual liberty. To fulfil this, we did an analysis of rethoric, thematic and enuntiative features. Among our conclusions we take that some imemes constituted only an excuse to produce language games, as well as to reinforce belonging to certain subcultures. Others, by the other hand, did have questioned the alleged facts, but with a limited reach. Another also have questioned, but closing the possibility for change. In general, the discursive reaction in the way of imemes thematised its implications for the United States only.