Abstract: People have been using different platforms to discuss some of the world’s most serious issues and problems. In this age of information, the social media is now one of the primary mediums used to convey information or messages. People nowadays have been communicating their thoughts through social media memes, normally, either to downplay issues or just to indirectly voice out what is in their mind. These memes also serve as a mode of starting conversation. This paper analyzed how internet memes has been used by Filipino netizens to achieve a particular purpose while discussing or presenting the issues or problems through memes based on their perspective. Using Social Convergence Theory (SCT) or the fantasy theme analysis, this study found out the unique rhetorical visions or shared fantasies formed in these memes. Then, using the Invitational Rhetoric Theory (IRT), the study found out that the analyzed memes mostly served different purposes and did not created an environment that encourages audiences to share their perspective. The study concluded that if a meme has secured and created an environment that encourages audiences to share their perspective, there would be a considerable amount of engagement it will garner.
Keywords: Internet Memes, Fantasy Themes Analysis, Invitational Rhetoric Theory.
Title: Facebook Meme as an Avenue for Discussing Serious Problems and Issues
Author: Amor Jude Thadeus F. Soriano
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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