| Faculty Advisor |
Leslie Klein
|
|---|---|
| Contact Email | lklein15@unl.edu |
| Website | |
| Advisor College: |
Journalism & Mass Communications
|
| Potential Student Tasks |
You'll spend time actively exploring the "That Funny Feeling" trend on TikTok, identifying and categorizing videos based on their themes. You'll be responsible for carefully reading and interpreting the lyrics and visuals within these videos, noting how they connect to current events and social issues. We'll work together to develop a system for analyzing these trends, and you'll contribute your insights through regular team meetings. You may also help with reviewing existing academic literature on the subject of the protest paradigm if that is something we decide is appropriate for your interests and background. |
| Student Qualifications |
You don't need to be a political science or journalism major or have any prior experience with social media analysis, although background or interest in those areas would help you be successful. I am looking for students who are naturally curious, have a strong interest in understanding youth culture and online trends, and possess excellent reading and writing skills. You should possess a genuine interest in exploring how young people use creative expression to make their voices heard. If you're passionate about social justice and are eager to learn new skills, you're already a great fit! |
| Training, Mentoring, and Workplace Community |
I'm committed to supporting your growth as a FYRE student and researcher. I'll be your primary mentor, providing clear guidance on the project's goals, methodologies and timelines. We'll meet biweekly via Zoom or in person to discuss your progress, brainstorm ideas and address any questions you might have. I'll also be available via email and for quick questions or support. |
| Available Positions |
1
|
You've probably noticed while scrolling through TikTok that young adults are increasingly using social media trends to express complex and often urgent critiques of the world around them. My research project investigates one specific trend, rewrites of the "That Funny Feeling" song by Bo Burnham, as a form of contemporary cultural resistance, exploring how young people are strategically reinterpreting existing songs to articulate their concerns about issues ranging from systemic inequality and environmental degradation to gun violence and abortion access. Rather than simply ‘rewriting' songs for entertainment, these videos are often deeply layered with symbolic meaning and a pointed critique of dominant narratives. As a FYRE student, you'll be involved in analyzing these videos as examples of protest, examining the lyrics, visuals and overall context to understand how young adults are using this platform to challenge power structures and raise awareness about critical social issues.