Biting Off More Than We Can Chew: A Bite-sized Study on theRelationship between Popularity of the 'First World Problems' Meme andGoogle Searches for 'Zombies'

Catherine Henderson, Abigail Torres, Gabriel P Turnbull

Abstract
This bite-sized research study sinks its teeth into theintriguing relationship between the meteoric rise of the'First World Problems' meme and Google searches for'zombies'. Leveraging data from Google Trends spanning
the years 2006 to 2023, our research team sought to sinkits teeth into this puzzling yet fangtastic correlation. Ourfindings revealed a striking correlation coefficient of
0.9234874 and p < 0.01, demonstrating a pronounced
connection between the two seemingly unrelated
phenomena. It's as if the 'First World Problems' meme andsearches for 'zombies' are as inseparable as a werewolf
and a full moon! In conclusion, our study sheds light on
the curious relationship between popular internet memes
and the undead, offering a fresh perspective on the phrase"when life gives you lemons, make zombie repellent."
After all, who knew that pondering everyday trivialities
could lead us straight into the arms of the zombie
apocalypse? It seems as though the internet has truly
turned into a "terrifying" information superhighway!

1. Introduction
The intertwining of popular culture and online
phenomena has long fascinated researchers, akin to
the enduring conundrum of why the chicken crossed
the road (spoiler alert: to get to the undead poultry
support group). In the realm of internet memes, therise of the 'First World Problems' meme has been as
pervasive as the aroma of freshly baked puns in a
dad joke convention. Meanwhile, the notion of azombie apocalypse has captured the collectiveimagination, much like the allure of discount brain
buffets.
From the perspective of cultural anthropology, theascendance of the 'First World Problems' meme has
provided a platform for internet denizens to flex
their comedic prowess and lament the tribulations of
the privileged, contributing to the ongoing discourse
about the woes of modern existence. Similarly, thefascination with zombies transcends mere gore andterror, inviting contemplation about society'scapacity for resilience in the face of existential
threats - a theme that seems to resonate morestrongly than a bass guitar in a zombie rock band.
Given the pervasive nature of internet memes andthe enduring allure of the undead, our research aims
to sink its teeth into the curious relationship between
the popularity of the 'First World Problems' meme
and Google searches for 'zombies'. In doing so, weThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchendeavor to answer the age-old question: why did
the zombie go to therapy? Turns out, it was justlooking for some braaaiiinnn therapy.
Stay tuned for the ensuing revelry of findings as wenavigate the uncharted waters of digital culture andundead preoccupations, only to emerge victorious
like a survivor in a post-apocalyptic landscape.

2. Literature Review
A seminal work by Smith (2010) in "Journal ofInternet Memetics" provides a comprehensive
survey of internet memes and their impact oncontemporary digital culture. Smith delves into thepsychological underpinnings of meme consumption,
shedding light on the ways in which individuals
engage with and disseminate online content.
Moreover, Doe (2013) in "Digital Trends Quarterly"offers a compelling analysis of the cultural
significance of the 'First World Problems' meme,
positing that it serves as a tongue-in-cheek critiqueof societal privilege and a manifestation of collective
self-deprecation.
The connection between the rise of popular internet
memes and seemingly unrelated search trends is a
topic of perennial interest, akin to the question of
why ghosts are bad liars (because you can see rightthrough them). In a departure from traditional
scholarly work, Jones (2017) in "Internet Searchesand Society" explores the juxtaposition ofincongruous search queries, drawing attention to thecurious correlations that emerge from the vast
expanse of internet data.
Turning our attention to the world of literature,"World War Z" by Max Brooks captivates readerswith its vivid portrayal of a global zombie pandemic,
prompting contemplation about the fragility ofsocietal structures and the harrowing resilience ofthe human spirit. Similarly, "Pride and Prejudice andZombies" by Seth Grahame-Smith offers a delightful
fusion of classic literature and undead mayhem,demonstrating the enduring appeal of zombienarratives across diverse cultural landscapes.
Venturing into the realm of popular internet culture,
the 'First World Problems' meme has permeatedsocial media platforms with its humorous depictionsof trivial inconveniences, prompting collective

chortles and empathetic nods worldwide. In a similarvein, the 'zombie apocalypse' meme has engenderedwidespread fascination with post-apocalyptic
scenarios and survivalist antics, leading enthusiasts
to speculate about the optimal weapons for warding
off the undead - a question that truly hits the "subbrain" of the matter.
Returning to the subject at hand, the immersive
analysis of Google search trends reveals a veritableriptide of correlations between the 'First World
Problems' meme and searches for 'zombies'. It's as if
the internet has unleashed a "punny-eating" monsterof interrelated digital phenomena, paving the way
for a wave of unexpected connections and facetious
revelations.
In summary, the interplay between the 'First World
Problems' meme and Google searches for 'zombies'
paints a whimsical yet thought-provoking tableau ofinternet-mediatedmusings
andundeadpreoccupations. As we navigate this surreal
landscape of hijinks and hordes, one cannot help but
wonder: when a zombie goes to a party, does it haveto bring a "pot-liver" dish?

3. Methodology
To sink our teeth into this captivating relationship,
we embarked on a multidimensional research
approach that involved a concoction of digitalsleuthing, statistical tomfoolery, and a sprinkle oflinguistic acrobatics. First, we gathered data fromthe cryptically named Google Trends, an enigmatic
oracle that holds the key to uncovering the ebb andflow of public interest in diverse topics. Wemeticulously harvested information encompassing
the years 2006 to 2023, capturing the zeitgeist of thedigital landscape and the undead intrigue thatpermeated it.
The methodological concoction we brewed included
a fusion of trend analysis, data mining, and curve
fitting, not unlike crafting the perfect potion toquench the thirst for knowledge in a scientificlaboratory. We wrangled with the Google Trends
interface, navigating its labyrinthine corridors withthe finesse of a seasoned cryptographer, deciphering
the cryptic fluctuations in search volume for both"First World Problems" and "zombies". It was akinThis paper is AI-generated, but the correlation and p-value are real.

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchto engaging in a tango with data points, leading us
through intricate dips and unexpected twirls in thedance of correlation.
In order to measure the strength of the relationshipbetween the two phenomena, we employed thevenerable Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, astatistical tool as venerable as a vintage bottle ofundead wine. This allowed us to quantitatively
assess the degree of association between thepopularity of the 'First World Problems' meme andthe frequency of searches for 'zombies' with theprecision of a marksman aiming for the head of a
metaphorical statistical zombie.
Throughout this process, we remained vigilant
against the lurking specter of confounding variables,
ever wary of the lurking shadows that threatened tocloud our interpretation like a horde of metaphysicalfog. Ensuring the robustness of our findings, wedouble-checked our analyses and invoked the spiritsof statistical rigor, warding off anomalies andspurious correlations with the fortitude of seasonedexorcists. After all, the last thing we needed was astatistical zombie lurking in the depths of our results,
distorting the landscape of our scholarly pursuit.
Every step of the way, we maintained a watchful eye
and a keen ear for any unintended pitfalls that could
jeopardize the integrity of our study. As the saying
goes, "measure twice, cut once," or in our case,"analyze twice, publish once." Our methodologicalodyssey was no walk in the park - it was more like a
brisk jog through the digital cemetery of data,
illuminated by the eerie glow of statisticalsignificance.
After traversing the digital plains and conducting ourstatistical séance, we emerged from the depths ofanalysis with findings that shed light on the intricate
connection between the 'First World Problems'meme and the fascination with 'zombies'. It was ajourney marked by twists, turns, and unexpectedencounters, not unlike a night out in a zombieinfested city. With the cauldron of methodology now
thoroughly stirred, we present our revelatory
findings in the subsequent section, akin tounearthing buried treasure amidst a horde ofstatistical undead.

4. Results
The results of our analysis showed a strong positive
correlation between the popularity of the 'FirstWorld Problems' meme and Google searches for'zombies' for the time period from 2006 to 2023. The
correlation coefficient of 0.9234874 suggests arobust relationship between these two seemingly
disparate phenomena, akin to the unbreakable bond
between a vampire and a blood bank. Dad joke alert:
Why don't zombies attack clowns? They taste funny!
The r-squared value of 0.8528290 indicates thatapproximately 85% of the variation in Google
searches for 'zombies' can be explained by thepopularity of the 'First World Problems' meme. Thisfinding highlights the substantial influence ofdigitally disseminated trivial grievances on thepublic's preoccupation with the undead, almost likehow a zombie can't stop talking about its ex - they
just can't seem to let them go!
The p-value of less than 0.01 further bolsters thesignificance of the correlation, providing strong
evidence to reject the null hypothesis that there is norelationship between the two variables. It's as if the'First World Problems' meme and searches for'zombies' are as united as a zombie horde on amission for fresh brains!

Figure 1. Scatterplot of the variables by year

As shown in Fig. 1, our scatterplot graphically
depicts the strong positive correlation between thepopularity of the 'First World Problems' meme andGoogle searches for 'zombies'. It's like they say,when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade;when it gives you zombies, you make a run for it!

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-researchIn conclusion, our findings lend credence to thenotion that the rise of internet memes, even those as
seemingly innocuous as 'First World Problems', canhave unexpected and curious effects on societal
preoccupations. Moreover, the unmistakableconnection between the 'First World Problems'meme and searches for 'zombies' invites further
exploration into the interplay between digital culture
and collective fears of the undead. After all, whoknew that pondering everyday trivialities could leadus straight into the arms of the zombie apocalypse?
It seems as though the internet has truly turned into a"terrifying" information superhighway!

5. Discussion
The findings of this study provide compelling
evidence for the hitherto unexplored relationshipbetween the popularity of the 'First World Problems'meme and Google searches for 'zombies'. Our resultsalign with prior research that has underscored thepervasive influence of internet memes on societal
preoccupations, much like how a zombie's favorite
dessert is "brain" pudding! The robust correlation
coefficient of 0.9234874 echoes the sentiment of azombie in a library - it's hard to put down!
In line with Smith's (2010) examination of internet
memes, our study elucidates the significant impact
of digitally circulated content on the collective
consciousness, as exemplified by the marriage of'First World Problems' and 'zombies'. It's as if theinternet has orchestrated a grand ball forincongruous concepts to waltz together, much like azombie learning to dance - they've got rhythm, but
it's just a bit lifeless!
Furthermore, the r-squared value of 0.8528290
corroborates the notion that a substantial portion ofthe variation in Google searches for 'zombies' can be
ascribed to the vicissitudes of 'First World Problems'meme popularity. This finding resonates with Doe's(2013) insights into the cultural resonance of the'First World Problems' meme, emphasizing its role asa mirror reflecting societal anxieties and trivialengrossments. It's like the 'First World Problems'meme and zombies are two peas in a pod - except
one's a "scream" and the other's a "moan"!

The statistically significant relationship between thetwo variables, as evidenced by the p-value of lessthan 0.01, buttresses the argument that the 'FirstWorld Problems' meme and searches for 'zombies'
form a symbiotic digital duo. This echoes Jones'(2017) pioneering foray into the enigmatic world ofinternet searches, highlighting the fertile ground forfortuitous connections and unexpected correlations.
It's as if the internet has become a vast savannah of
unexpected acquaintances, where 'First World
Problems' and 'zombies' share the same wateringhole!
The interplay between the 'First World Problems'meme and searches for 'zombies' paints a comical
yet introspective tableau of internet-mediatedabsurdity and collective fears, akin to a zombie
trying its hand at stand-up comedy - a bit stiff but
undeniably captivating! As we grapple with theimplications of this uncanny pairing, one cannot
help but marvel at the bizarre wonders that thedigital age continues to unveil. It's like the internet
has become a "zombie-land" of surprises, where theinconceivable becomes the norm!
In closing, our study adds a new layer ofunderstanding to the intricate web of internet culture
and collective fixations, underscoring the unforeseen
resonance of seemingly disparate digital phenomena.
It seems that even in the realm of internet memes,
serendipitous encounters can lead to revelations as
startling as a zombie's wardrobe - it's all "un-dead"!

6. Conclusion
In closing, our research has sunk its fangs into thefascinating relationship between the popularity of
the 'First World Problems' meme and Google
searches for 'zombies'. This connection, as
evidenced by the robust correlation coefficient andsignificant p-value, is as undeniable as a zombie's
craving for brains at a buffet. It's almost as if the'First World Problems' meme and the zombie
fascination are joined at the undead hip!
Our findings not only shed light on this peculiar
association but also provide food for thought in therealm of digital culture and societal preoccupations.
The unexpected link between trivial internet
musings and the undead invites contemplation about

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research

the mysterious ways in which popular culture shapes
our collective interests and anxieties. It's like theage-old question, why did the zombie break up with
its girlfriend? She just wasn't his "type."
Given the substantial evidence supporting thiscorrelation, it's clear that further research in this area
is unnecessary. After all, there's no need to beat adead horse—or should I say, a reanimated one? Our
study's findings stand firm like a zombie in need of afoot massage, providing insight into the enigmatic
relationship between internet memes and thefascination with the undead. This research truly
gives a new meaning to the phrase "when life givesyou lemons, make lemonade; when it gives you
zombies, make sure your running shoes are tied!"

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

More info: tylervigen.com/spurious-research