Networked Flak in CNN and Fox News Memes on Instagram

In this study, we used a multimodal method to examine a visual dataset posted on Instagram that references #CNN and #FoxNews. Using visual analysis, we inductively categorized the memes into nine major types and identified the most referenced hashtags associated with these memes. Our method provided more insight into the different meanings of memes. Building on the theoretical concept of networked flak, the findings indicate that Instagram memes which mention CNN and Fox News are often politically polarizing and largely critical of these two news channels, especially CNN (25.4%) and to a lesser extent Fox News (15.6%). We argue that routinely trolling news channels creates a polarized political environment and is meant to put pressure on journalists which, if successful, could potentially influence them.