Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2026

Document Type

Research Paper

Department

Whittier Scholars Program

First Advisor

Ann Kakaliouras

Abstract

The following is an introductory and experimental EthnoDocumentary demo. It is meant to be shown as a proof of concept and introduction to the topics discussed in the accompanying literature review. The project takes on the internet trend of the Backrooms and its surrounding fanbase. The overall thesis of the project is that internet trends do not exist in a vacuum and are highly reflective of the demographic and cultural background of  those who engage with them. In the case of The Backrooms we can trace this to the idea of Gen Z nostalgia through “liminal spaces” and what different attitudes on said spaces reveal about Gen Z thoughts on maturity and horror creativity online. (Note: No actual human research involved in this preliminary project, all research is archival in nature)

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