The Funny Thing About the Internet: How Online Life Reconfigures Our Psyche
The internet has become so deeply interwoven with modern existence that it now manifests even in the spaces between wakefulness and sleep, prompting questions about its impact on our very being. As one observer noted, this isn’t necessarily an invasion, but rather “simple proof of the creation that [we] all are.” The line between creator and created is blurring, leading to a fascinating exploration of how the digital world shapes – and is shaped by – the human experience.
The pervasive influence of the internet isn’t simply about access to information; it’s a fundamental reconfiguration of how we perceive reality. This exploration isn’t just philosophical, however. It’s often hilarious. Here are ten examples of the internet at its most absurd, insightful, and undeniably funny.
The Enduring Appeal of Viral Chaos: Scared Grandma and the Milk Carton
Some moments transcend the ephemeral nature of online content, achieving a kind of cultural immortality. A prime example is the classic Vine of a woman startled by a car horn, resulting in a spectacularly airborne carton of milk. “When the aliens come, and humanity is tasked with communicating the spiritual essence of our species, I propose we play this clip for them,” one commentator quipped. This seemingly simple moment encapsulates a universal experience of surprise and physical comedy, proving that even the most mundane events can become iconic online.
Confronting Capitalism: The Enigmatic Pricemaster
On February 10, 2001, in Denton, Texas, a garage sale took a decidedly surreal turn. Shoppers encountered not a typical seller, but “the Pricemaster” – a wriggling, masked figure who dramatically inflated the price of everyday items. A video documenting the encounter showcases a performance art piece highlighting the absurdity of corporate capitalism. The Pricemaster’s pronouncements, delivered with a “cosmic reverberation,” are both unsettling and darkly humorous.
The Art of Parody: Cole Escola’s True Crime Masterpiece
The internet’s vast archive allows us to witness the evolution of creative talent. This is particularly evident in the work of Cole Escola, whose pre-Tony Award material is now readily available online. The comedian’s parody of true crime documentaries is described as “perfection,” a meticulously crafted piece that demonstrates a mastery of timing and inflection. It’s a testament to the power of online platforms to showcase and amplify artistic brilliance.
Brazilian Meme Culture: A Marketing Force to Be Reckoned With
Brazil has emerged as a global powerhouse of meme creation, consistently delivering innovative and hilarious content. An Instagram account showcases this trend, demonstrating how Brazilian companies cleverly adapt existing videos for their own marketing purposes. As one observer succinctly put it, “Brazilians are born with a marketing degree.”
The Eternal Question: “Maybe Ethics?”
Sometimes, the most enduring mysteries are the most trivial. The phrase “maybe ethics,” originating from an old Nickelodeon magazine, has taken on a life of its own online. Its origins remain obscure, but its enduring appeal lies in its inherent ambiguity and the joy it sparks in those who remember it. “Life is full of mysteries,” one person reflected, “and even if one day we solve this one, nothing could eliminate the joy that blossoms in my heart when I think of ‘maybe ethics.’”
AI and the Irreplaceable Element of Chaos: “David’s Dead”
The pursuit of artificial intelligence raises fundamental questions about what it means to be human. One clip from Celebrity Big Brother UK serves as a potent reminder of the uniquely human capacity for chaos. The scene, involving a mistaken announcement of a contestant’s death, is a masterclass in comedic timing and awkwardness. “AI could never,” one commentator declared, highlighting the machine’s inability to replicate the unpredictable nature of human interaction.
Prop Comedy Perfection: The Come Dine With Me Whisk
The reality television show Come Dine With Me is a breeding ground for awkwardness and unexpected moments. One particular scene, featuring a dramatic whisking incident, has achieved legendary status online. The sound of the whisk, described as both “delightful” and “haunting,” is a testament to the power of simple prop comedy.
Queer Audacity: Reuben Kaye on The Project
Comedian Reuben Kaye’s performance on the Australian television program The Project in 2023 sparked a national debate and an apology from the network. However, it was Kaye’s “cackle of glee” that truly resonated with viewers. This moment, described as an example of “queer audacity,” demonstrated the power of performance to challenge norms and ignite conversation.
The Britney Spears Catharsis: A Universal Experience
The shared experience of emotional release through pop music is a powerful force. As one writer observed, many can relate to the image of a “ragged Juliette Lewis alone in [a] car, screeching at the top of [her] lungs, desperately seeking salvation by turning to a pop icon” like Britney Spears. This shared vulnerability underscores the emotional connection we forge with artists and their music.
The Bizarre and Mundane: Exploring Gay Video Chat Sites
The internet offers a spectrum of experiences, ranging from the mundane to the profoundly strange. Gay video chat platforms, while often focused on connection and gratification, also present a uniquely “mundane yet utterly bizarre” spectacle of bodies and desires. This highlights the complex interplay between our physical selves and our digital representations, demonstrating how the internet both detaches us from and tethers us to our materiality.
Thomas Vowles is the author of the literary psychological thriller Our New Gods (UQP, $34.99). Keep up to date with him through Instagram.
