Mythologizing Time in Internet Memes of the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

The article is devoted to the mythologization of time in Internet memes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors consider modern social mythology in the context of the digital humanities. Digitalization of human existence leads to the emergence of digital mythology, which allows us to comprehend the new electronic social reality and influences the formation of worldview. The myths of the digital age are embedded in the tools of social communication, one of which is the Internet meme. The authors define the Internet meme as a part of digital culture and a communication phenomenon that can transmit emotionally colored information and influence its perception. Internet memes contain myth elements that allow communicants to perceive the transmitted information with a high degree of efficiency. Memes make it possible for Internet users to describe the realities of a rapidly changing world, while at the same time comprehending it at a high speed, thanks to the recognition of the myth. Myths about the time have become particularly relevant during the pandemic, as they were associated with the need to adapt to new conditions of existence and accelerate digitalization. Internet memes about the year 2020 demonstrate the features of the mythologization of time in the pandemic period.