4Chan is the initiator of almost all Internet Memes.  What is an Internet Meme?  An internet meme is created when a person, company, product, or musical group is promoted on the Internet for its pop culture value.  Then the online media explodes making it viral when millions of eyeballs learn of its existence.  This cascading effect crosses multiple user-generated sites where the content is plagiarized, mocked, and parodied.

 

So why the fuss?

 

Unfortunately – event though middle and high school students are embracing technology and the history of media – they are being exposed to inappropriate online content.

 

Here is a true life story that happens pretty readily among teen relationships.

 

A child buys World of Warcraft plays the game and is introduced to an Internet Meme icon – Leeroy Jenkins.  If you have not heard of Leeroy Jenkins here is a quick wiki page.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeroy_Jenkins

 

After visiting the Wiki the child goes to YouTube to watch the video.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAooq7e0gg0

 

After watching the HILARIOUS VIDEO!!!  Yes it is funny.

 

The child reads the comments about Internet memes and or does a search where they learn that Leeroy Jenkins like most Internet Memes started at 4Chan.

 

http://www.4chan.org

 

4Chan has an amazing story about the creator but we will save that for another discussion instead we will focus on what is happening on playgrounds and in between halls in states like Iowa and Missouri where most of the calls have initiated thus far.

 

4Chan has a very internet native interface and sometimes it is difficult to follow for the average parent.  What is concerning parents and school administrators is the inappropriate content and discussion occurring outside the 18+ areas.  It is very common to find porn, cursing, and scam promotion in these areas.   

 

Surprisingly, 4Chan has done a complete circle and again kids are having discussing amongst their friends about 4chan’s latest online humor, porn, and scams.

 

It is an interesting online internet meme circle and it will require education to help students to understand this process.