Viral Art Matters: Using Internet-Based Artwork to Fortify Academic Efforts

Since the 1990s, Internet communications technologies have influenced human activity. Over the last 15 years, a phenomenon called virality—i.e., when content circulates via Internet among an increasingly broad audience at an exponentially rapid rate—has been especially impactful. Only some information achieves virality, so the phenomenon invites reflection. Yet, scholars have failed to adequately address the topic. The literature is especially sparse when it comes to viral artwork. This essay helps fill that gap in the literature by demonstrating the academic significance of viral artwork through comparative analysis of three cases where Internet-based artworks went viral: “Ten Hours of Princess Leia walking in NYC,” “New Beginnings,” and “McKayla is Not Impressed.” The author asserts that viral artwork merits rigorous study because doing so could: first, augment existing research on other topics; second, fortify investigations in philosophy of art; and third, guide the public toward better-informed engagement with viral artwork.