Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Personal Experience Sharing Cat Meme Videos among Contemporary Chinese Young People: Take the Bilibili Platform as an Example

Zhixuan SunChina Agricultural University* Yuyan JiangChina Agricultural University Yuxin LiangChina Agricultural University

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This study explores the phenomenon of personal experience-sharing cat meme videos among contemporary Chinese young people on the Bilibili platform. By employing qualitative content and discourse analysis on two popular cat meme videos and their comments, this research delves into how these videos foster empathetic communication, thereby forming an interactive connection between creators and audiences. The research finds that the cat meme video connects the real world with the video world through the means of cat meme symbol, scene construction, narrative method, and atmosphere creation. The cat meme video absorbs the audience’s emotional perception and identification, so as to promote the audience’s emotional fit with the cat meme video and thus trigger the audience’s empathy. The findings indicate that viewers are not merely passive recipients but active participants who, through their interactions, enhance the emotional transmission of the videos. This two-way empathy communication leads to the establishment of a supportive online community, where individuals share similar experiences, offer advice, and provide emotional support. Consequently, cat meme videos on Bilibili serve as a medium for young people to express their social emotions, creating a vibrant and emotionally connected online community.

Keywords: cat meme; empathetic communication; Bilibili video platform; personal experience; affective mediation.
Published: October 25, 2024
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/47/20242265
Volume: CHR Vol.47
pp. 78-88
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