Internet Culture: Understanding the weird and wonderful of online life

If you thought the internet was just a place to watch cat videos and catch up on your online shopping, you thought wrong. The internet is a culture all of its own, with its rules and customs.

And just like any other culture, there are things about internet culture that can seem weird and wonderful to outsiders. So, if you're new to the internet or just want to learn more about internet culture, read on for a crash course.

There's a lot to learn about internet culture from internet slang to memes. But don't worry, we'll start with the basics.

What is internet culture?

Internet culture refers to the customs and behaviours that are unique to the internet and its users. It includes things like internet slang, memes, and in-jokes.

Internet culture is also shaped by the people who use it. For example, gamers, meme-lovers, and K-pop fans all have their own internet cultures.

Why is internet culture important?

Internet culture is important because it reflects the people who use the internet. It can tell us much about what internet users are interested in and how they think.

It can also be a force for good, bringing people together from all over the world to share their interests and have some fun. Internet Culture doesn’t just stay online - it's also present in the real world.

So...how does the Internet affect culture?

Take a look at TikToks latest obsession: Cottagecore! This internet-born aesthetic is about cosy comfort, nature, and a return to simpler times. Cottagecore has taken the internet by storm, with videos of people baking bread and making jams racking up millions of views and fashion inspired by a romanticized interpretation of agricultural life.

But Cottagecore isn't just about pretty pictures. For many people, it's a way of life. It's about slowing down, enjoying the simple things, and connecting with nature. It's a rejection of the fast-paced, stressful world that we live in and an embrace of a more peaceful way of life. People have begun living entirely new lives, all thanks to an internet aesthetic. Brands are also jumping aboard, with floral dresses, tweed jackets, and big cosy sweaters becoming all the rage in high street stores.

Speaking of Cottagecore fashion, there's also a trend for 'grungecore', which is Cottagecore but with more black clothes. Celebrities like Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey have adopted this internet-born trend and photographed in Grungecore fashion.

When did internet culture start?

It's hard to say exactly when internet culture started, but we can trace it back to the early days of the internet. One of the earliest examples of internet culture is Usenet, a network of newsgroups popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, internet culture is more widespread than ever, thanks to social media. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have made internet culture easier than ever to spread worldwide. Aesthetics, memes, and internet slang can all go viral in a matter of hours - compared to the early days of Internet culture when it could take months or even years for something to become popular.

Internet culture has come a long way since its early days on Usenet. These days, it's more accessible and widespread than ever before. Gen Z is the first generation to grow up with internet culture, shaping it in new and exciting ways - they see internet culture and real life as the same.

Is internet culture a subculture?

Internet culture is sometimes seen as a subculture, but it's more accurately described as an online culture. It's not limited to any group of people, and anyone can participate.

Whether you're a casual internet user or like me and have your smartphone as an extension of your arm, internet culture is something we are all a part of. It's the way we communicate, the way we have fun, and the way we connect.

So who are the people driving internet culture?

Many internet influencers have a huge impact on online culture. Some of the most popular internet influencers include Addison Rae, NikkieTutorials and Joe Sugg.

These internet celebrities have millions of followers who watch their every move - they are trendsetters, and their influence can be seen in how people dress, the makeup they wear, and the way they speak.

But it's not just internet celebrities who shape internet culture. Ordinary people can have a huge impact on internet culture too. For example, how we use social media can start new trends and memes. The power of the internet is that anyone can be a part of it.

What makes someone an influencer?

An internet influencer is someone with a large following who has the ability to influence the way that people think and behave. They are trendsetters, and their opinions carry a lot of weight.

Many factors make someone an influencer, but some of the most important ones include having a large following, being active on social media, and being relatable.

These influencers hugely impact internet culture, and how they communicate can start new trends and memes. They are the people who shape internet culture, and their influence can be seen in the way that people dress, the makeup they wear, and the way they speak. Influencers are seen as trendsetters, and their opinions carry a lot of weight.

So there you have it: a crash course in internet culture. Whether you're a Gen Z-er or a Baby Boomer, we hope this has helped you understand online life's a weird and wonderful world.