Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In 2024, David Tao rapidly gained popularity and attention with his "abstract" online persona. This paper explores the dissemination mechanism of his "abstract" image and its alignment with the aesthetic preferences of the post-00s generation. By analyzing the secondary creations and online spread of Tao's "abstract iconic moments," such as his PowerPoint apology and improvised singing mishaps, and incorporating meme theory, the study reveals the motivations behind his image transformation. Tao's resurgence highlights the deconstruction and reconstruction of mainstream aesthetics by subcultures, offering new perspectives on public figure image rehabilitation and cross-generational cultural communication.
Source: Media and Communication Research
Author: Qian Miaoqi
Institution: Fujian Normal University
Language: English
Subfield: Cultural Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409608592