Lolcows and Living Memes
There is a new type of lolcow. They exist as a meme and solicit attention through their continuous semi-cringe posting. Though unlike a traditional lolcow, they are completely aware of the joke and push through for a potential slice of virality.
Examples are creators like: @jayrscotty, @vorostwins, @itsashtonchavisofficial, @jordieeboy11, and @spicyferntree.
They choose to become the meme in hopes of optioning it for an influencer career. In some instances, this works, and in others, they find themselves constantly groveling to their followers trying to revive the same dead joke. In most cases, we see a combination of both outcomes.
Anyways I’m wondering if there is a way to categorize this type of creator. I like the term ‘living meme’ though I think it is missing something. There is a deeply flagellatory tone to this style of content, yet separating ourselves from it, the creator is the one walking away the upsides.
The viewer wastes time (or perhaps feels joy, which social media is always known to provide) while the creator garners clout. It is a fleeting fame though, one which ties the creator to their memehood indefinitely.
Last note is that this is the nature of online creation right now. Many influencers are forced into compensatory dopamine contracts with their fan bases, that entail endlessly performing small viral dances for niche audiences.
Imagine Elton John playing Piano Man, but for like 1000 people constantly on a YouTube live. All for another taste of what it felt like to have 500,000 views on TikTok that one time.
It is what it is.
