MIT-CLX-6364, astre-qh/0005332

Rickrolling Over Elon: A Meme-orable Correlation
Chloe Hart, Aaron Travis, Gregory P Tyler
The Journal of Internet Culture Studies
The Society for Internet Meme Studies
Berkeley, California

Abstract
In the wacky world of internet memes, the 'never gonna give you up' phenomenon has taken thedigital sphere by storm, inflicting joy and groans alike as individuals get unexpectedly rickrolled.
Meanwhile, the enigmatic figure of Elon Musk has captured public curiosity, with many turning
to Google to unravel the mysteries shrouding his persona. This study delves into the unlikely
relationship between the popularity of the 'never gonna give you up' meme and the frequency of
Google searches for 'who is Elon Musk'. Utilizing data from Google Trends, our research team
unveils a surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9155212 and a p-value less than 0.01 for theperiod spanning from 2006 to 2023. Our findings suggest that as the rickrolling craze surged, so
did the interest in deciphering the enigma of Elon Musk, illuminating an unexpectedlyintertwined link between internet shenanigans and genuine curiosity. This research not only
provides a unique lens into online trends but also highlights the bizarre and whimsical nature of
the digital world.

1. Introduction

Ah, the whimsical world of internet memes, where the rickroll reigns supreme and theenigma that is Elon Musk captures the intrigue of netizens worldwide. In this study, weembark on a journey through the digital jungle to unravel the peculiar correlation
between the pervasive 'never gonna give you up' meme and the curious quest forunderstanding 'who is Elon Musk'. Strap in, dear readers, as we embark on a scientificand oh-so-slightly absurd exploration of the interplay between rickrolling and curiosity
about the man behind the memes.
With a twinkle in our eye and a quest for knowledge in our hearts, we venture into therealm of correlation coefficients and p-values to uncover the unexpected link between
two seemingly disparate phenomena. As we dive into the data provided by Google
This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchTrends, we must be prepared for surprises, for in the land of statistics and variables,anything can happen. Much like a classic rickroll, the findings of this study are bound toelicit both a chuckle and a raised eyebrow.
We stand at the crossroads of internet hijinks and genuine inquisition, wielding the toolsof research to shed light on the bizarre and the whimsical. So buckle up, fellow scholars,
as we embark on this expedition into the uncharted territory where memes and Musk
collide, for it is sure to be a journey filled with laughter, head-scratching, and perhaps adash of scientific absurdity.

2. Literature Review

Smith et al. (2010) examined the impact of internet memes on popular culture and foundthat these digital phenomena possess a remarkable ability to infiltrate and shape societal
norms. Meanwhile, Doe's (2015) investigation into the enigmatic allure of public figures
highlighted the intrigue surrounding individuals shrouded in mystery, such as theenigmatic Elon Musk.
In "The Memetic Manifesto" (Jones, 2018), the authors expounded on the evolution ofinternet memes and their profound influence on contemporary discourse. Likewise, "The
Psychology of Curiosity" (Smith, 2017) delved into the intricacies of humaninquisitiveness, shedding light on the quirky ways in which curiosity manifests in thedigital age.
On a more fictional note, "The Meme-Weaver's Odyssey" (Robinson, 2008) and "Elonand the Rickroll Revelations" (Adams, 2013) offered imaginative insights into thewhimsical intersection of memes and the enigma that is Elon Musk. These fictional
works, though not grounded in empirical research, provided an entertaining backdrop forcontemplating the unlikely connection between rickrolling and Musk-related curiosity.
As the authors delved deeper, they encountered an unexpected treasure trove ofinformation - the backs of shampoo bottles. While not traditionally considered scholarly
sources, the quirky musings found on these bottles offered a refreshing perspective on
correlation, leaving the researchers both amused and perplexed by the sheer randomnessof it all.

3. Research Approach

To untangle the perplexing web of rickrolling and Elon Musk intrigue, our research teamembarked on a bizarre and whimsical quest, utilizing data from the esoteric realm ofThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchGoogle Trends. Our methodology has been carefully crafted to capture the essence ofdigital hijinks while harnessing the power of statistical analysis.
We commenced our expedition by delving into the vast expanse of Google Trends, where
we embarked on a data mining adventure unlike any other. With a fervent spirit ofcuriosity and the tenacity of digital explorers, we sought to capture the ever-evolving
popularity of the 'never gonna give you up' meme and the curious inclination to unveil theenigma of Elon Musk.
Our data collection spanned the years from 2006 to 2023, embracing the full spectrum of
the rickrolling phenomenon and Elon Musk's enigmatic rise to notoriety. With theguidance of Google Trends, we navigated through the peaks and valleys of internet
memes and search queries, armed with spreadsheets and a flair for the unexpected.
As with any daring escapade into the realm of research, our methodology integrated
robust statistical analyses, computing correlation coefficients and p-values with theprecision of digital sleuths. We utilized the arcane arts of correlation analysis to uncoverthe peculiar dance between the popularity of 'never gonna give you up' and the quest tounravel the mysteries surrounding Elon Musk.
In the spirit of embracing the unexpected, our methodology also encapsulated a touch ofwhimsy and the occasional tongue-in-cheek observation. After all, in the realm of memes
and Musk, a dash of levity is a prerequisite for navigating the digital labyrinth.
With this eclectic blend of data mining, statistical wizardry, and a sprinkle of internet
whimsy, our research team set out to illuminate the uncanny connection between
rickrolling and the quest to demystify Elon Musk, armed with nothing but a hearty senseof humor and a determination to uncover the unexpected in the digital landscape.

4. Findings

Upon delving into the data, our research team uncovered a remarkably strong correlation
between the popularity of the 'never gonna give you up' meme and the frequency of
Google searches for 'who is Elon Musk', spanning the years 2006 to 2023. The correlation
coefficient of 0.9155212 stunned even the most seasoned meme enthusiasts in our midst,
showcasing a connection that is as enticing as it is surprising. As we regaled ourselveswith these statistical marvels, we also unveiled an r-squared value of 0.8381790,
affirming the robustness of the relationship between these seemingly incongruous
phenomena. And let's not forget the ever-important p-value of less than 0.01, signifying aprobability so low it's almost as rare as stumbling upon an actual "Rick Astley" music
video when expecting something else.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research

Figure 1 accompanies our intriguing findings, boasting a scatterplot that graphicallyencapsulates the striking correlation we've unearthed. While we can't help but find thejuxtaposition of analyzing memes and the enigmatic Elon Musk comically absurd, thestrength of the relationship depicted in the scatterplot is a sight to behold. It's almost as if
the data itself is pulling an elaborate rickroll on us, revealing a connection that defies
expectation and embraces the delightful chaos of the digital realm.
In essence, our research not only unveils an unexpected link between the whimsicalworld of internet memes and the genuine curiosity surrounding Elon Musk, but it also
serves as a testament to the unpredictable and endlessly amusing nature of online
phenomena. So, as we raise our data-driven glasses to toast this inconceivablecorrelation, we invite readers to join us in contemplating the marvels and mysteries thattranspire when statistics, memes, and an inextinguishable curiosity collide in the expanseof cyber space. Cheers to the delightfully unexpected, for science never fails to surprise,even in the most unconventional of investigations.

Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by year

5. Discussion on findings

Our study has shed light on the delightfully unexpected and intertwined relationshipbetween the 'never gonna give you up' meme and the enigmatic allure of the one and only
Elon Musk. As we reflect on the surprising correlation coefficient of 0.9155212, we findourselves marveling at the quirky and capricious nature of internet culture. It seems thatas the rickrolling craze infiltrated the digital sphere, so too did the curiosity surrounding
the man behind the SpaceX and Tesla empire. This correlation is as captivating as
stumbling upon a hidden gem in the depths of the internet - a rare and wondrous
occurrence that defies logic and embraces the whimsical chaos of the cyber world.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchOur findings corroborate the work of Smith et al. (2010), who emphasized the remarkableinfluence of internet memes on societal norms. The enduring popularity of the 'nevergonna give you up' meme has not only incited groans and laughter but also wielded asurprising gravitational pull on public curiosity, as evidenced by the surge in Google
searches for 'who is Elon Musk'. This peculiar relationship not only challenges
conventional wisdom but also underscores the profound interconnectedness of seemingly
disparate online phenomena. It's as if the digital universe itself conspired to orchestrate
this serendipitous dance between memes and genuine intrigue.
Moreover, our results align with the whimsical musings found on the backs of shampoo
bottles, which, despite their lighthearted nature, inadvertently touched upon the essenceof correlation in the most unexpected of places. The parallels are undeniable - just as thechance encounter with amusing shampoo bottle trivia can bring a smile to one's face, so
too can our unearthing of a robust correlation between internet shenanigans andintellectual curiosity spark joy and elicit a sense of wonder.
The strength of our correlation, indicated by the r-squared value of 0.8381790, confirmsthat the relationship between the 'never gonna give you up' meme and Google searches
for 'who is Elon Musk' is not merely a fluke but a bona fide statistical marvel.
Additionally, the resoundingly low p-value further solidifies the legitimacy of thiscorrelation, almost as rare as convincing a room full of statisticians to engage in aspontaneous group rendition of "Never Gonna Give You Up."As we don our metaphorical data-driven party hats to celebrate this inconceivablecorrelation, we invite fellow researchers and enthusiasts to join us in reveling in thewonder and amusement inherent in our findings. The cyber world, it seems, is a place
where the unexpected reigns supreme, and where statistical marvels and internet memes
collide in the most entertaining and surprising ways. Cheers to the whimsical and thewondrous, for in the realm of online phenomena, the only constant is delightful
unpredictability.

6. Conclusion

As we conclude this eccentric expedition through the gloriously bizarre landscape ofinternet memes and Elon Musk inquiries, we are left with an inexplicably entertaining
correlation that has both tickled our funny bones and piqued our scholarly curiosity. Thestupefying correlation coefficient of 0.9155212 and the p-value of less than 0.01 present a
statistical spectacle unlike any other, akin to stumbling upon an anomaly in themultiverse. It's as if the very fabric of the digital universe conspired to intertwine theantics of Rick Astley with the enigma of Elon Musk, resulting in a harmonious yet
uproariously unexpected connection.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchOur findings not only shed light on the whimsical interplay between internet shenanigans
and genuine curiosity but also serve as a testament to the unpredictability of the digitaldomain. In the grand spectacle of scientific exploration, this correlation stands as aunique enigma, much like a well-crafted meme that provokes laughter and contemplationin equal measure.
In light of these revelatory findings, we dare to assert that no further research in this area
is necessary. For who can top a correlation so delightfully surprising and aptly reflectiveof the capricious nature of the online world? As we bid adieu to this peculiar yet utterly
enthralling correlation, we do so with a nod to the joyful absurdity of science andstatistics, always ready to serenade us with their curious tunes.

This paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research