Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

The Evolutionary Stages, Thematic Spectrum, and Paradigm Shift in Chinese Meme Propagation Research (2008–2024): Visualised Review Based on CNKI

Ziqi WangUlink College of Shanghai*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

As mobile internet, short videos, and AIGC technologies continue to reshape the information ecosystem, memes have become a key unit for understanding the fragmentation of digital culture, emotional mobilisation, and traffic translation. However, domestic research in this area has long been fragmented and characterised by blurred boundaries between stages. To systematically trace the research trajectory, this paper uses 183 journal articles (2008–2024) indexed in CNKI as a sample, employing CiteSpace for time segmentation, keyword co-occurrence, and cluster visualization analysis, supplemented by text comparison and case studies. The results show: (1) Chinese meme studies can be divided into three major phases: the 'initial exploration phase’ (2008–2013), the 'steady expansion phase’ (2014–2019), and the 'rapid development phase’ (2020–2024), with each transition point closely aligned with waves of technological innovation;(2) Five highly consistent thematic clusters—“Theoretical Foundations,” “Social Media Diffusion,” “Short Videos/Participatory Culture,” “Social Identity and Political Communication,” and “Value Empowerment and Future Trends”—constitute the domain knowledge spectrum; (3) Research paradigms have evolved along two main lines: “Communication Mechanisms—Technological Evolution” and “Social Emotions—Cultural Value Reconstruction,” and in the latest phase, they have shown signs of cross-fertilisation; (4) Methodology has shifted from conceptual analysis to quantitative analysis, with a focus on visualisation and in-depth case studies, but cross-platform, multi-modal experiments remain insufficient. This paper not only provides a stage-by-stage overview and thematic map of domestic meme research but also offers theoretical references and data support for algorithm governance, emotional risk intervention, and cultural industry empowerment.

Keywords: meme propagation; CiteSpace; stage evolution; thematic analysis; digital culture
Published: September 9, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.KM26783
Volume: CHR Vol.80
pp. 87-97
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