Viral information in the context of postmodernism and information society theories

This paper presents the research of theoretical approaches from the second half of 20th century. The methodological basis for these theoretical approaches is built upon the perceptions of the upcoming futuristic human civilization due to the ideological crisis of capitalism and the results in the sphere of computer technologies. The research shifts its focus to the technological background in order to establish a role of viral information in the communication system of the Internet and also to define the relevance of analyzed methodology. The development of perceptions for the new stage in social history shifted from the specified (the society of knowledge, post-industrial society, information society) to abstract and universal definitions («the wave», the global village, hyperreality) in order to present a complex picture of the new society. Due to the symbolification of communication, the phenomenon of viral information, especially memes, became more relevant and popular among the Internet users.