Third Place to Meme Space: How Meme Creators Are Cultivating Communities and Serving Political Tea

Online meme communities have emerged as vibrant digital "third places," informal social spaces that foster a sense of community and facilitate political discourse. Expanding on Oldenburg's (1989) concept of third places — physical spaces like cafes and parks that provided informal, accessible environments for social interaction and community building — this study explores how meme creators have adapted this idea to the digital realm. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with six prominent Romanian political meme creators, this qualitative study explores the complexities of online community formation, gatekeeping, and the dynamics between public and private spheres. Meme creators play a crucial role as cultural gatekeepers, curating content, setting norms, and managing the dynamics between public pages and private groups. Through humour and satire, they encourage discussions on political issues, transforming entertainment into a form of civic engagement. These digital third places, much like their physical counterparts, offer an accessible platform for diverse voices, providing a space for dialogue and community building even in polarised environments. The findings underscore the influence of meme creators in shaping online communities, not just as content producers but as moderators who navigate the complexities of bias, community expectations, and political expression. This study expands on existing theories of third places and digital gatekeeping, revealing how meme culture serves as a bridge between entertainment and political discourse. Ultimately, this research provides a nuanced understanding of how these digital spaces contribute to political dialogue and foster a sense of belonging in today’s digital landscape.