Today human creativity is not only confronted by AI slops, algorithmic control, and cycles of existential crises induced by new releases of language or image generation models, but also confounded by brainrot memes, stigmas of cringe-worthiness, mass distraction, FOMO induced anxieties, and influencer vanity. At the School of Creative Media, our Master of Arts in Creative Media programme is among the first globally attempting to tackle the socioeconomic and aesthetic upheavals in the recent profound shifts of social media cultures. The programme and the new stream ‘influencer studies’ aim to explore the field of influencer (sub)cultures from international, regional and local perspectives, and respond to the evolving role of influencers in our experimental pedagogy. As an opening event for the new stream, this symposium on Influencer cultures invites Idil Galip (a meme scholar), Vivek Mahbubani (a stand-up comedian), and Brendan aka gumdoughduck.tv (a YouTuber). Join us for stories, memes, jokes, and a grounded dialogue on contemporary social media platforms, memes, and Hong Kong culture. 

Languages: English and Cantonese. 

Advanced Online Pre-registration is required: https://forms.gle/2SQTwTwtcnGdENXZ8
RSVP by 5 September 2025 (Friday), 9:00 a.m. (HK Time)

All are welcome!

Speakers

Dr. İdil Galip
Writer, Researcher and Lecturer in New Media and Digital Cultures

Dr. İdil Galip is a researcher focusing on the politics of the internet, algorithmic platform cultures, and online communities, with particular expertise in meme studies - a field she has helped establish through both theoretical and methodological contributions. İdil is a Lecturer in New Media and Digital Culture at the University of Amsterdam. She holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Edinburgh. She also founded the Meme Studies Research Network in 2020 and serves on the board of The Hmm, a cultural organization supporting digital and new media arts. 

The Professionalisation of Meme Making

This talk traces the evolution of Anglophone internet memes from the experimental, personal expression of Web 1.0 (GeoCities, forums) through 4chan's crystallisation of meme language, to today's algorithm-driven content creation. It examines how meme creators have organised for labour rights (like the IG Meme Union) and explores the tension between authentic creative expression and platform monetisation. The talk reveals how what began as "fun for fun's sake" has become entangled in complex systems of value extraction, raising questions about digital labor and the future of online creativity.

Vivek Mahbubani
Hong Kong’s Award-winning Stand-up Comedian

Vivek Mahbubani is a Hong Kong-bred bilingual stand-up comedian performing in both Cantonese and English.

Having been crowned the Funniest Person (in Chinese) in Hong Kong in 2007 followed by his victory in the English category at the Hong Kong International Comedy Competition in 2008, he also became one of the recipients of the 2018 Hong Kong Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Selection Award.

Vivek has had the opportunity to take his sense of humour all over the world including Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, Australia, Canada and USA.

Brendan
Content Creator of YouTube Chanel “gumdoughduck.tv”

Brendan is an Australian born-and-bred content creator that has been living in Hong Kong for 6 years and in the last 2 years has built an impressive social media presence in the Hong Kong market, gaining over 60,000 followers on both YouTube and Instagram. Brendan uses engaging and down-to-earth YouTube videos and short-form content to highlight his journey adapting to the local way of life, and connects with his primarily local Hong Kong audience by exploring topics such as lifestyle, culture and food in fluent Cantonese!

Join popular Australian YouTuber Brendan (咁都得) as he shares his unique Hong Kong journey and experience as a content creator. For years, he has immersed myself in this vibrant city, living like a local and deep diving into studying the Cantonese language. In this talk, he will uncover the challenges and unexpected joys of mastering a new language, bridging cultural gaps, and building a thriving online community dedicated to showcasing Hong Kong's true spirit.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/gumdoughduck.tv

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gddtv

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