Spurious correlation #1,178 · View random

AI explanation

As more Neils were born, the collective Neil consciousness inadvertently transmitted waves of social media satire to the xkcd creator, inspiring an increase in relevant comics. It's like they say, you can't spell influence without Neil!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image of Neil and his friends sitting in a vibrant, retro pop art coffee shop setting. In the foreground, Neil and his friends are portrayed in bold, dynamic colors, engaged in animated conversations, with visible expressions of laughter and delight. Surrounding them, the colorful pop art-style background features the displayed xkcd comics about social media on the wall, capturing the attention of onlookers who are enthusiastically pointing at and sharing the comics on their phones. The atmosphere is full of energy and liveliness, as the coffee shop is abuzz with a bustling crowd discussing and referencing Neil and the clever xkcd comics. The scene also includes a small blackboard in the corner with the hastily written "Neil's Law" note, adding a quirky touch to the overall composition. The depiction should include only scenes, people, and objects, it should not include text or speech bubbles.

This image generation prompt was also generated by AI, using the following sequence:

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You select one of a few potential scene descriptors that seems to go along with the situation described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here is a situation: "Rise in Neil's Popularity Linked to Surge in xkcd Comics About Social Media - Experts Cite 'Neil's Law' as Cause". Given that situation, which of the following image descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand and the tone of the explanation. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Parallax art Cybernetic art An image that looks like it is a scene from 'Star Wars' Pop art Realistic
ChatGPT: Pop art

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated and the explanation described. Do not reference graphs or charts; describe physical objects.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that depicts the following situation. Keep the description simple. "Rise in Neil's Popularity Linked to Surge in xkcd Comics About Social Media - Experts Cite 'Neil's Law' as Cause"
ChatGPT: In a cozy coffee shop, Neil is sitting at a table with a group of friends, laughing and engaging in animated conversations. Meanwhile, on the nearby wall, a series of xkcd comics about social media are displayed. A few people in the coffee shop are pointing at the comics and sharing them on their phones. The chatter in the shop is noticeably louder and more lively than usual, with many people mentioning Neil and discussing the clever xkcd comics. In the corner, a small blackboard is on display with a hastily written note that reads "Neil's Law: The correlation between Neil's popularity and xkcd social media comics is stronger than we thought!"

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You write and improve image generation prompts for DALLE-3. You maintain the same subjects, but enhance the visuals.
User prompt: Please respond with an image generation prompt that would be likely to create an interesting visual using DALLE-3, using the following style: [ Pop art ] and depicting this scene: In a cozy coffee shop, Neil is sitting at a table with a group of friends, laughing and engaging in animated conversations. Meanwhile, on the nearby wall, a series of xkcd comics about social media are displayed. A few people in the coffee shop are pointing at the comics and sharing them on their phones. The chatter in the shop is noticeably louder and more lively than usual, with many people mentioning Neil and discussing the clever xkcd comics. In the corner, a small blackboard is on display with a hastily written note that reads "Neil's Law: The correlation between Neil's popularity and xkcd social media comics is stronger than we thought!" Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image of Neil and his friends sitting in a vibrant, retro pop art coffee shop setting. In the foreground, Neil and his friends are portrayed in bold, dynamic colors, engaged in animated conversations, with visible expressions of laughter and delight. Surrounding them, the colorful pop art-style background features the displayed xkcd comics about social media on the wall, capturing the attention of onlookers who are enthusiastically pointing at and sharing the comics on their phones. The atmosphere is full of energy and liveliness, as the coffee shop is abuzz with a bustling crowd discussing and referencing Neil and the clever xkcd comics. The scene also includes a small blackboard in the corner with the hastily written "Neil's Law" note, adding a quirky touch to the overall composition.

*Variations in the User Prompts from chart to chart are just the result of random number generation in Python. I wrote a few arrays of various styles and methods to ask questions to change up the results. Every time this site writes an explanation or generates an image, the script picks from each at random.

I sequence the requests into multiple prompts because I find GPT 3.5 to perform much better with short, well-managed contexts. Thus, I track the context directly in Python and only ask ChatGPT targeted questions.
^{Show prompt for explanation} Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106 (fine-tuned)
System prompt: You provide humorous responses in the form of plausible sounding explanations for correlations. You assume the correlation is causative for the purpose of the explanation even if it is ridiculous. You do not chat with the user, you only reply with the causal connection explanation and nothing else.
User prompt: Please make up a funny explanation for how increases in Popularity of the first name Neil positively influenced xkcd comics published about social media.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective

The Journal of Humor and Social Sciences

Jan 2024

Reminder: This paper is AI-generated. Not real!

^{Show prompt used to generate this paper} Quick note: This sequence is long and repetitive. That's how the prompt engineering works for this one. I manage the output in Python to format it into this PDF.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft a literature review section of an academic research paper, that starts out dry for the first few sentences but then becomes hilarious and goofy.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a literature review section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Neil and xkcd comics published about social media. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Speak in the present tense for this section (the authors find...), as is common in academic research paper literature reviews. Name the sources in a format similar to this: In "Book," the authors find lorem and ipsum.

Make up the lorem and ipsum part, but make it sound related to the topic at hand.

Start by naming serious-sounding studies by authors like Smith, Doe, and Jones - but then quickly devolve. Name some real non-fiction books that would be related to the topic. Then name some real fiction books that sound like they could be related. Then name some movies that you watched that are tangentially related to the topic.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper examines the peculiar link between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd. By delving into US Social Security Administration data and employing advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, a correlation coefficient of 0.7163777 and p < 0.01 was observed for the period spanning from 2007 to 2022. This unexpected correlation highlights the potential influence of a seemingly common name on the portrayal of social media trends in a popular webcomic. The implications of these findings left our research team in a state of bemused curiosity, prompting us to reconsider the impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the world of memes.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The etymology and significance of a given name have long been a subject of fascination, often bordering on obsession, for both laypersons and academics alike. The popularity, or lack thereof, of a name can lead to countless social interactions, perceptions, and even opportunities throughout one's life. This paper delves into the peculiar association between the widespread usage of the first name "Neil" and the depiction of social media phenomena in the renowned webcomic series xkcd.
The decision to focus on the name "Neil" was not arbitrary, as it is a moniker with a rich and varied history, often associated with qualities such as forthrightness, curiosity, and an affinity for science fiction. This name has been borne by numerous notable individuals, from astrophysicists to musicians, imparting it with a diverse and intriguing cultural resonance. Conversely, social media has become an integral, if at times confounding, aspect of modern life, permeating our personal, professional, and even existential spheres.
The impetus for this study arose from the peculiar observation that a disproportionate number of xkcd comics published between 2007 and 2022 seemed to feature themes related to social media, often waxing satirical, introspective, or both. This prompted us to inquire whether there might exist a previously unexplored linkage between the prevalence of the name "Neil" and xkcd's commentary on the evolving landscape of social media.
Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to discern if there was indeed a discernible correlation between the popularity of the name "Neil" and the thematic depiction of social media in xkcd. This paper seeks to elucidate the unexpected association uncovered by our research team, providing insight into the potential impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the dissemination of internet memes.
As we proceed, it is essential to maintain a skeptical, yet open-minded, stance, mindful of the pitfalls inherent in conflating causation with correlation, while also not discounting the possibility of uncovering intriguing, albeit unexpected, connections in the realms of nomenclature, cultural representation, and web-based humor.
In the subsequent sections, we will detail the methodology employed, present the findings of our analysis, and discuss the implications of this peculiar linkage, all the while endeavoring to maintain scholarly rigor and intellectual humility.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The association between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd is a topic that, while seemingly unconventional, provides an avenue for exploring the intriguing interplay between nomenclature, popular culture, and internet phenomena. Smith (2010) conducted a comprehensive study on the societal impact of personal nomenclature, emphasizing the cultural resonances and sociolinguistic implications of individuals' names. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2015) delved into the multifaceted nature of internet memes and their role in shaping online discourse, albeit from a broader perspective. Such works underscore the significance of investigating the potential influence of names and cultural representations on internet-based humor and social commentary.

In "Sticks and Stones: The Cultural Significance of Personal Names," Doe and Smith (2012) expound upon the intricate web of symbolism and meaning woven into people's names, highlighting the psychological and sociocultural implications of individuals' nomenclatural associations. Furthermore, in their seminal work "Memes and You: A Comprehensive Analysis," Jones and Smith (2017) navigate the often labyrinthine world of internet memes, delving into their evolution, dissemination, and impact on online communities. These foundational works set the stage for scrutinizing the unexpected correlation between the name "Neil" and the portrayal of social media themes in xkcd.

In parallel, non-fiction works such as "The Social Media Paradox" by Carl Sagan and "The Name Game: A Linguistic Exploration" by Jane Austen provide adjacent perspectives on the intersection of social media trends and the symbolic import of personal names in contemporary society. Similarly, fictitious narratives such as "The Adventures of Neil in Cyberspace" by J.K. Rowling and "Meme-ories of Neil" by F. Scott Fitzgerald offer imaginative forays into the confluence of nomenclature and internet culture, hinting at the potential whimsy underlying the exploration of this unconventional linkage.

Furthermore, from a cinematic vantage point, the films "The Social Network," "You've Got Mail," and "The Matrix" serve as tangentially relevant sources of inspiration, offering glimpses into the myriad manifestations and implications of social media and digital connectivity. While not directly addressing the correlation between the name "Neil" and xkcd's portrayal of social media, these cinematic narratives offer nuanced perspectives on the evolving dynamics of technological interconnectedness and its impact on contemporary societal discourse.

As we traverse the scholarly landscape and veer into the domain of fiction and film, we are reminded of the multifaceted nature of the investigation at hand, enticing us to consider the potential whimsicality and unexpected revelations that may emerge as we unravel the enigmatic connection between the name "Neil" and xkcd's treatment of social media themes.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the methodology section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the methodology section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Neil and xkcd comics published about social media. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and AI analysis of xkcd comics . You used data from 2007 to 2022

Make up the research methods you don't know. Make them a bit goofy and convoluted.

Here is the title, abstract, and introduction of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper examines the peculiar link between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd. By delving into US Social Security Administration data and employing advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, a correlation coefficient of 0.7163777 and p < 0.01 was observed for the period spanning from 2007 to 2022. This unexpected correlation highlights the potential influence of a seemingly common name on the portrayal of social media trends in a popular webcomic. The implications of these findings left our research team in a state of bemused curiosity, prompting us to reconsider the impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the world of memes.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The etymology and significance of a given name have long been a subject of fascination, often bordering on obsession, for both laypersons and academics alike. The popularity, or lack thereof, of a name can lead to countless social interactions, perceptions, and even opportunities throughout one's life. This paper delves into the peculiar association between the widespread usage of the first name "Neil" and the depiction of social media phenomena in the renowned webcomic series xkcd.
The decision to focus on the name "Neil" was not arbitrary, as it is a moniker with a rich and varied history, often associated with qualities such as forthrightness, curiosity, and an affinity for science fiction. This name has been borne by numerous notable individuals, from astrophysicists to musicians, imparting it with a diverse and intriguing cultural resonance. Conversely, social media has become an integral, if at times confounding, aspect of modern life, permeating our personal, professional, and even existential spheres.
The impetus for this study arose from the peculiar observation that a disproportionate number of xkcd comics published between 2007 and 2022 seemed to feature themes related to social media, often waxing satirical, introspective, or both. This prompted us to inquire whether there might exist a previously unexplored linkage between the prevalence of the name "Neil" and xkcd's commentary on the evolving landscape of social media.
Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to discern if there was indeed a discernible correlation between the popularity of the name "Neil" and the thematic depiction of social media in xkcd. This paper seeks to elucidate the unexpected association uncovered by our research team, providing insight into the potential impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the dissemination of internet memes.
As we proceed, it is essential to maintain a skeptical, yet open-minded, stance, mindful of the pitfalls inherent in conflating causation with correlation, while also not discounting the possibility of uncovering intriguing, albeit unexpected, connections in the realms of nomenclature, cultural representation, and web-based humor.
In the subsequent sections, we will detail the methodology employed, present the findings of our analysis, and discuss the implications of this peculiar linkage, all the while endeavoring to maintain scholarly rigor and intellectual humility.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Data Collection:
The data for this study was gathered from multiple sources, including the US Social Security Administration and AI analysis of xkcd comics. The US Social Security Administration provided comprehensive records of the prevalence of the first name "Neil" from 2007 to 2022. The xkcd comics were systematically analyzed using advanced AI algorithms to identify and categorize themes related to social media. The vastness and complexity of the internet were navigated with both trepidation and determination, as the research team sifted through an unfathomable number of webpages, spurious memes, and the occasional cat video to extract and analyze relevant xkcd comics.

Data Analysis:
The prevalence of the name "Neil" and the thematic depiction of social media in xkcd comics were subjected to rigorous quantitative analysis. Correlation coefficients were calculated to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between the two variables. The resulting coefficient of 0.7163777 suggests a moderately strong positive correlation, prompting both head-scratching and raised eyebrows within the research team. The statistical significance, indicated by p < 0.01, underscored the perplexing nature of this unexpected linkage, prompting whispers of "stranger things have happened in the world of research" among the team members.

Control Variables:
In an attempt to mitigate lurking confounders and spurious correlations, several control variables were considered. These included the frequency of references to social media in popular culture, the influx of cat memes in digital discourse, and the occurrence of coincidental references to scientific principles in webcomics. The control variables were scrutinized with all the seriousness (and occasional eye-rolls) befitting a diligent effort to discern mere coincidence from genuine association.

Limitations:
As with any scholarly endeavor, this study is not without its limitations. The reliance on existing datasets and AI analysis introduces the potential for omitted variable bias and algorithmic idiosyncrasies. Additionally, the findings of this study are bound by the scope and content of xkcd comics and the prevalence of the name "Neil" in the United States, leaving the generalizability of the findings open to playful speculation and raised eyebrows.

In summary, the data collection and analysis techniques utilized in this study aimed to untangle the curious connection between the first name "Neil" and xkcd's portrayal of social media. The methodological pursuits were underpinned by a mix of meticulousness, bemusement, and a willingness to entertain the unexpected.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the results section of an academic research paper. You speak in the past tense (you found...).
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the results section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Neil and xkcd comics published about social media. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Your research team collected data from all across the internet, but mostly just used information from US Social Security Administration and AI analysis of xkcd comics .

For the time period 2007 to 2022, you found a correlation 0.7163777, r-squared of 0.5131970, and p < 0.01.

One figure will be included. The figure (Fig. 1) is a scatterplot showing the strong correlation between the two variables. You don't need to specify where; I will add the figure.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper examines the peculiar link between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd. By delving into US Social Security Administration data and employing advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, a correlation coefficient of 0.7163777 and p < 0.01 was observed for the period spanning from 2007 to 2022. This unexpected correlation highlights the potential influence of a seemingly common name on the portrayal of social media trends in a popular webcomic. The implications of these findings left our research team in a state of bemused curiosity, prompting us to reconsider the impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the world of memes.

-------

And here is the methodology section that led to this result:
[[METHODOLOGY]]
INTRODUCTION
The etymology and significance of a given name have long been a subject of fascination, often bordering on obsession, for both laypersons and academics alike. The popularity, or lack thereof, of a name can lead to countless social interactions, perceptions, and even opportunities throughout one's life. This paper delves into the peculiar association between the widespread usage of the first name "Neil" and the depiction of social media phenomena in the renowned webcomic series xkcd.
The decision to focus on the name "Neil" was not arbitrary, as it is a moniker with a rich and varied history, often associated with qualities such as forthrightness, curiosity, and an affinity for science fiction. This name has been borne by numerous notable individuals, from astrophysicists to musicians, imparting it with a diverse and intriguing cultural resonance. Conversely, social media has become an integral, if at times confounding, aspect of modern life, permeating our personal, professional, and even existential spheres.
The impetus for this study arose from the peculiar observation that a disproportionate number of xkcd comics published between 2007 and 2022 seemed to feature themes related to social media, often waxing satirical, introspective, or both. This prompted us to inquire whether there might exist a previously unexplored linkage between the prevalence of the name "Neil" and xkcd's commentary on the evolving landscape of social media.
Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to discern if there was indeed a discernible correlation between the popularity of the name "Neil" and the thematic depiction of social media in xkcd. This paper seeks to elucidate the unexpected association uncovered by our research team, providing insight into the potential impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the dissemination of internet memes.
As we proceed, it is essential to maintain a skeptical, yet open-minded, stance, mindful of the pitfalls inherent in conflating causation with correlation, while also not discounting the possibility of uncovering intriguing, albeit unexpected, connections in the realms of nomenclature, cultural representation, and web-based humor.
In the subsequent sections, we will detail the methodology employed, present the findings of our analysis, and discuss the implications of this peculiar linkage, all the while endeavoring to maintain scholarly rigor and intellectual humility.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[RESULTS]]

ChatGPT:

[[RESULTS]]

The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.7163777) between the frequency of the first name "Neil" and the portrayal of social media themes in xkcd comics. The coefficient of determination (r-squared = 0.5131970) indicated that approximately 51.3% of the variance in the depiction of social media in xkcd could be explained by the prevalence of the name "Neil." Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship between the variables.

The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the strong positive correlation between the frequency of the name "Neil" and the number of xkcd comics that featured social media themes. Each data point represents a specific year within the period of 2007 to 2022, and the clustering of the points along an upward trend line is evident, affirming the robust association between the two variables.

The unexpected strength of this correlation prompts contemplation about the potential influence of nomenclature on cultural phenomena, and calls to mind the paradox of causality versus coincidence. It is a testament to the innumerable, yet often overlooked, factors that shape the landscape of popular culture, albeit with a touch of whimsy and wonder at the peculiarities of human perception and creativity.

These findings suggest that the name "Neil" may hold a subtle yet palpable sway over the thematic content of a webcomic renowned for its incisive commentary on contemporary societal trends, particularly in the realm of social media. The implications of this correlation extend beyond the realm of mere nomenclature, inviting us to reevaluate the intricate interplay between individual identities, cultural representations, and the ever-evolving ethos of the digital age.

In light of these findings, further exploration into the realm of nomenclature and its potential influence on cultural artifacts is warranted, with the hope of unraveling more of the enigmatic threads that weave the fabric of societal expression.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the discussion section of an academic research paper.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up the discussion section of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Neil and xkcd comics published about social media. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 500 tokens.

Here are the title, abstract, literature review, and results sections. Please harken back to 1-2 of the goofy items in the literature review, but pretend to take them completely seriously. Discuss how your results supported the prior research.

Do not write a conclusion. I will add a conclusion after this.

[[TITLE]]
"Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper examines the peculiar link between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd. By delving into US Social Security Administration data and employing advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, a correlation coefficient of 0.7163777 and p < 0.01 was observed for the period spanning from 2007 to 2022. This unexpected correlation highlights the potential influence of a seemingly common name on the portrayal of social media trends in a popular webcomic. The implications of these findings left our research team in a state of bemused curiosity, prompting us to reconsider the impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the world of memes.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The association between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd is a topic that, while seemingly unconventional, provides an avenue for exploring the intriguing interplay between nomenclature, popular culture, and internet phenomena. Smith (2010) conducted a comprehensive study on the societal impact of personal nomenclature, emphasizing the cultural resonances and sociolinguistic implications of individuals' names. Similarly, Doe and Jones (2015) delved into the multifaceted nature of internet memes and their role in shaping online discourse, albeit from a broader perspective. Such works underscore the significance of investigating the potential influence of names and cultural representations on internet-based humor and social commentary.
In "Sticks and Stones: The Cultural Significance of Personal Names," Doe and Smith (2012) expound upon the intricate web of symbolism and meaning woven into people's names, highlighting the psychological and sociocultural implications of individuals' nomenclatural associations. Furthermore, in their seminal work "Memes and You: A Comprehensive Analysis," Jones and Smith (2017) navigate the often labyrinthine world of internet memes, delving into their evolution, dissemination, and impact on online communities. These foundational works set the stage for scrutinizing the unexpected correlation between the name "Neil" and the portrayal of social media themes in xkcd.
In parallel, non-fiction works such as "The Social Media Paradox" by Carl Sagan and "The Name Game: A Linguistic Exploration" by Jane Austen provide adjacent perspectives on the intersection of social media trends and the symbolic import of personal names in contemporary society. Similarly, fictitious narratives such as "The Adventures of Neil in Cyberspace" by J.K. Rowling and "Meme-ories of Neil" by F. Scott Fitzgerald offer imaginative forays into the confluence of nomenclature and internet culture, hinting at the potential whimsy underlying the exploration of this unconventional linkage.
Furthermore, from a cinematic vantage point, the films "The Social Network," "You've Got Mail," and "The Matrix" serve as tangentially relevant sources of inspiration, offering glimpses into the myriad manifestations and implications of social media and digital connectivity. While not directly addressing the correlation between the name "Neil" and xkcd's portrayal of social media, these cinematic narratives offer nuanced perspectives on the evolving dynamics of technological interconnectedness and its impact on contemporary societal discourse.
As we traverse the scholarly landscape and veer into the domain of fiction and film, we are reminded of the multifaceted nature of the investigation at hand, enticing us to consider the potential whimsicality and unexpected revelations that may emerge as we unravel the enigmatic connection between the name "Neil" and xkcd's treatment of social media themes.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.7163777) between the frequency of the first name "Neil" and the portrayal of social media themes in xkcd comics. The coefficient of determination (r-squared = 0.5131970) indicated that approximately 51.3% of the variance in the depiction of social media in xkcd could be explained by the prevalence of the name "Neil." Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship between the variables.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the strong positive correlation between the frequency of the name "Neil" and the number of xkcd comics that featured social media themes. Each data point represents a specific year within the period of 2007 to 2022, and the clustering of the points along an upward trend line is evident, affirming the robust association between the two variables.
The unexpected strength of this correlation prompts contemplation about the potential influence of nomenclature on cultural phenomena, and calls to mind the paradox of causality versus coincidence. It is a testament to the innumerable, yet often overlooked, factors that shape the landscape of popular culture, albeit with a touch of whimsy and wonder at the peculiarities of human perception and creativity.
These findings suggest that the name "Neil" may hold a subtle yet palpable sway over the thematic content of a webcomic renowned for its incisive commentary on contemporary societal trends, particularly in the realm of social media. The implications of this correlation extend beyond the realm of mere nomenclature, inviting us to reevaluate the intricate interplay between individual identities, cultural representations, and the ever-evolving ethos of the digital age.
In light of these findings, further exploration into the realm of nomenclature and its potential influence on cultural artifacts is warranted, with the hope of unraveling more of the enigmatic threads that weave the fabric of societal expression.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The unanticipated strength of the correlation between the prevalence of the name "Neil" and the portrayal of social media themes in xkcd comics warrants thorough consideration. The substantial coefficient of determination underscores the noteworthy extent to which the frequency of the name "Neil" elucidates the variance in the depiction of social media within the webcomic. These findings reflect the underlying complexity of cultural phenomena, offering a glimpse into the potential impact of seemingly innocuous factors on artistic expressions of societal trends.

The robust support for the prior research on the multifaceted nature of internet memes and the psychological and sociocultural implications of individuals' nomenclatural associations is evident in our results. Smith's inquiry into the societal impact of personal nomenclature resurfaces with newfound significance, as the correlation uncovered in this study accentuates the potential influence of names on cultural representations in the online domain. Furthermore, the parallels drawn between the investigation of the enigmatic correlation and the fictitious narratives "The Adventures of Neil in Cyberspace" and "Meme-ories of Neil" acquire a sense of unexpected relevance, highlighting the whimsicality inherent in the exploration of this unconventional linkage.

The observed correlation further elucidates the latent interplay between individual identities, cultural representations, and the evolving landscape of the digital age. It prompts contemplation about the nuanced ways in which nomenclature may subtly shape artistic depictions of contemporary societal trends, offering a touch of whimsy and wonder at the intricacies of human perception and creativity. These findings challenge conventional perspectives on the determinants of popular culture, captivating our imagination with the possibility of unforeseen influencers lurking in the backdrop of cultural artifacts.

The implications of this correlation extend beyond the confines of nomenclature, beckoning us to delve deeper into the enigmatic threads that weave the fabric of societal expression. The tangled web of cultural resonance and linguistic subtext inherent in personal names intertwines with the portrayal of social media in xkcd, setting the stage for continued exploration into the influence of nomenclature on artistic reflections of contemporary societal phenomena. This venture into the whimsical realms of nomenclature and cultural representations within digital domains promises further revelations that may amuse and astound in equal measure.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a dry but witty academic researcher. You speak in the passive voice, and your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal.You draft the discussion section of goofy academic research papers that sounds like it belongs based on the title and abstract provided.
User prompt:
Pretend you are an academic researcher. Your writing sounds like it belongs in a medical or economics journal. However, you frequently crack jokes, make puns, or add unexpected twists in your writing.

Please make up a short conclusion of an academic research paper presenting the findings of the connection between Popularity of the first name Neil and xkcd comics published about social media. Make it seem dry like academic research paper, but with lots of subtle hidden offhand remarks, jokes, goofy observations, and puns.

Limit your response to 300 tokens. At the very end, assert that no more research is needed in this area.

Here are the title, abstract, introduction, and results sections.
[[TITLE]]
"Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective"

[[ABSTRACT]]
This paper examines the peculiar link between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd. By delving into US Social Security Administration data and employing advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, a correlation coefficient of 0.7163777 and p < 0.01 was observed for the period spanning from 2007 to 2022. This unexpected correlation highlights the potential influence of a seemingly common name on the portrayal of social media trends in a popular webcomic. The implications of these findings left our research team in a state of bemused curiosity, prompting us to reconsider the impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the world of memes.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
INTRODUCTION
The etymology and significance of a given name have long been a subject of fascination, often bordering on obsession, for both laypersons and academics alike. The popularity, or lack thereof, of a name can lead to countless social interactions, perceptions, and even opportunities throughout one's life. This paper delves into the peculiar association between the widespread usage of the first name "Neil" and the depiction of social media phenomena in the renowned webcomic series xkcd.
The decision to focus on the name "Neil" was not arbitrary, as it is a moniker with a rich and varied history, often associated with qualities such as forthrightness, curiosity, and an affinity for science fiction. This name has been borne by numerous notable individuals, from astrophysicists to musicians, imparting it with a diverse and intriguing cultural resonance. Conversely, social media has become an integral, if at times confounding, aspect of modern life, permeating our personal, professional, and even existential spheres.
The impetus for this study arose from the peculiar observation that a disproportionate number of xkcd comics published between 2007 and 2022 seemed to feature themes related to social media, often waxing satirical, introspective, or both. This prompted us to inquire whether there might exist a previously unexplored linkage between the prevalence of the name "Neil" and xkcd's commentary on the evolving landscape of social media.
Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to discern if there was indeed a discernible correlation between the popularity of the name "Neil" and the thematic depiction of social media in xkcd. This paper seeks to elucidate the unexpected association uncovered by our research team, providing insight into the potential impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the dissemination of internet memes.
As we proceed, it is essential to maintain a skeptical, yet open-minded, stance, mindful of the pitfalls inherent in conflating causation with correlation, while also not discounting the possibility of uncovering intriguing, albeit unexpected, connections in the realms of nomenclature, cultural representation, and web-based humor.
In the subsequent sections, we will detail the methodology employed, present the findings of our analysis, and discuss the implications of this peculiar linkage, all the while endeavoring to maintain scholarly rigor and intellectual humility.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation (r = 0.7163777) between the frequency of the first name "Neil" and the portrayal of social media themes in xkcd comics. The coefficient of determination (r-squared = 0.5131970) indicated that approximately 51.3% of the variance in the depiction of social media in xkcd could be explained by the prevalence of the name "Neil." Furthermore, the p-value of less than 0.01 provided strong evidence against the null hypothesis of no relationship between the variables.
The scatterplot (Fig. 1) visually depicts the strong positive correlation between the frequency of the name "Neil" and the number of xkcd comics that featured social media themes. Each data point represents a specific year within the period of 2007 to 2022, and the clustering of the points along an upward trend line is evident, affirming the robust association between the two variables.
The unexpected strength of this correlation prompts contemplation about the potential influence of nomenclature on cultural phenomena, and calls to mind the paradox of causality versus coincidence. It is a testament to the innumerable, yet often overlooked, factors that shape the landscape of popular culture, albeit with a touch of whimsy and wonder at the peculiarities of human perception and creativity.
These findings suggest that the name "Neil" may hold a subtle yet palpable sway over the thematic content of a webcomic renowned for its incisive commentary on contemporary societal trends, particularly in the realm of social media. The implications of this correlation extend beyond the realm of mere nomenclature, inviting us to reevaluate the intricate interplay between individual identities, cultural representations, and the ever-evolving ethos of the digital age.
In light of these findings, further exploration into the realm of nomenclature and its potential influence on cultural artifacts is warranted, with the hope of unraveling more of the enigmatic threads that weave the fabric of societal expression.

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Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

The correlation observed between the frequency of the name "Neil" and the prevalence of social media themes in xkcd comics has left our research team both bemused and intrigued. The unexpected strength of this association prompts contemplation about the subtle, yet palpable, influence of nomenclature on cultural phenomena. This correlation suggests that the choice of a name may indeed wield a quiet, albeit discernible, sway over the thematic content of a webcomic known for its incisive societal commentary.

As we reflect on these findings, we cannot help but marvel at the curious twists and turns of human perception and creativity. The quirks of fate and nomenclature seem to intertwine in the tapestry of cultural representation, leaving us to ponder the deeper implications while also marveling at the whimsical nature of this discovery. Perhaps, in the grand theater of nomenclature and culture, the name "Neil" has emerged as an unwitting protagonist, casting its influence across the realm of web-based humor.

While the implications of this correlation are fascinating, it is important to approach them with balance and caution, mindful of the complexities inherent in the relationship between nomenclature and cultural artifacts. Although our findings open the door to further exploration of this curious linkage, it is perhaps time to close the chapter on this particular investigation and direct our scholarly efforts toward other equally intriguing enigmas of human behavior and cultural representation. After all, in the ever-unfolding tapestry of scholarly inquiry, the adventure never ceases to surprise, enthrall, and occasionally bemuse.

No more research is needed in this area.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of academic journals. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding research, scientific, or academic journal that would publish a paper entited Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Humor and Social Sciences

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide fictional names of nonprofit research organizations and associations. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide the name of a funny but plausible sounding nonprofit, academic, or scientific association or organization that would sponsor research that resulted in a paper entited Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Institute for Internet Humor Studies

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You provide potential search keywords separated by commas. You say nothing else, and you do not chat with the user.
User prompt: Please provide potential search keywords for a paper titled Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective with an abstract of This paper examines the peculiar link between the prevalence of the first name "Neil" and the themes of social media portrayed in the renowned webcomic series xkcd. By delving into US Social Security Administration data and employing advanced AI analysis of xkcd comics, a correlation coefficient of 0.7163777 and p < 0.01 was observed for the period spanning from 2007 to 2022. This unexpected correlation highlights the potential influence of a seemingly common name on the portrayal of social media trends in a popular webcomic. The implications of these findings left our research team in a state of bemused curiosity, prompting us to reconsider the impact of nomenclature on cultural representations and the world of memes.

ChatGPT:

xkcd, social media, Neil, prevalence, first name, US Social Security Administration data, AI analysis, webcomic series, correlation coefficient, 2007-2022, influence, cultural representations, memes

*There is a bunch of Python happening behind the scenes to turn this prompt sequence into a PDF.

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Data details

Popularity of the first name Neil
Detailed data title: Babies of all sexes born in the US named Neil
Source: US Social Security Administration
See what else correlates with Popularity of the first name Neil

xkcd comics published about social media
Detailed data title: The number of xkcd comics published each year about social media
Source: AI analysis of xkcd comics
Additional Info: ^{See full details} I designed a Python workflow to perform OCR on every xkcd comic, feed that text into a large language model, and ask the model whether this comic was about the category named in the title.

See what else correlates with xkcd comics published about social media

Correlation r = 0.7163777 (Pearson correlation coefficient)
Correlation is a measure of how much the variables move together. If it is 0.99, when one goes up the other goes up. If it is 0.02, the connection is very weak or non-existent. If it is -0.99, then when one goes up the other goes down. If it is 1.00, you probably messed up your correlation function.

r² = 0.5131970 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 51.3% of the change in the one variable (i.e., xkcd comics published about social media) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the first name Neil) over the 16 years from 2007 through 2022.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 0.0018.^Show 0.0017965223907308510000000000
The p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme.^Note More specifically the p-value is a measure of how probable it is that we would randomly find a result this extreme if we had only tested one pair of variables one time.

But I am a p-villain. I absolutely did not test only one pair of variables one time. I correlated hundreds of millions of pairs of variables. I threw boatloads of data into an industrial-sized blender to find this correlation.

Who is going to stop me? p-value reporting doesn't require me to report how many calculations I had to go through in order to find a low p-value!
On average, you will find a correaltion as strong as 0.72 in 0.18% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 557 random variables^Note Which I absolutely did.
with the same 15 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 15 because we have two variables measured over a period of 16 years. It's just the number of years minus ( the number of variables minus one ), which in this case simplifies to the number of years minus one.
you would randomly expect to find a correlation as strong as this one.

[ 0.34, 0.89 ] 95% correlation confidence interval (using the Fisher z-transformation)
^{Read more about the confidence interval} The confidence interval is an estimate the range of the value of the correlation coefficient, using the correlation itself as an input. The values are meant to be the low and high end of the correlation coefficient with 95% confidence.

This one is a bit more complciated than the other calculations, but I include it because many people have been pushing for confidence intervals instead of p-value calculations (for example: NEJM. However, if you are dredging data, you can reliably find yourself in the 5%. That's my goal!

All values for the years included above: ^Note If I were being very sneaky, I could trim years from the beginning or end of the datasets to increase the correlation on some pairs of variables. I don't do that because there are already plenty of correlations in my database without monkeying with the years.

Still, sometimes one of the variables has more years of data available than the other. This page only shows the overlapping years. To see all the years, click on "See what else correlates with..." link above.

	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Popularity of the first name Neil (Babies born)	305	327	396	342	358	391	393	397	414	425	422	425	422	324	360	328
xkcd comics published about social media (xkcd comics)	10	11	18	11	8	17	14	13	11	16	19	17	13	11	12	6

Why this works

Data dredging: I have 25,153 variables in my database. I compare all these variables against each other to find ones that randomly match up. That's 632,673,409 correlation calculations! This is called “data dredging.” Instead of starting with a hypothesis and testing it, I instead abused the data to see what correlations shake out. It’s a dangerous way to go about analysis, because any sufficiently large dataset will yield strong correlations completely at random.
Lack of causal connection: There is probably^Note Because these pages are automatically generated, it's possible that the two variables you are viewing are in fact causually related. I take steps to prevent the obvious ones from showing on the site (I don't let data about the weather in one city correlate with the weather in a neighboring city, for example), but sometimes they still pop up. If they are related, cool! You found a loophole.
no direct connection between these variables, despite what the AI says above. This is exacerbated by the fact that I used "Years" as the base variable. Lots of things happen in a year that are not related to each other! Most studies would use something like "one person" in stead of "one year" to be the "thing" studied.
Observations not independent: For many variables, sequential years are not independent of each other. If a population of people is continuously doing something every day, there is no reason to think they would suddenly change how they are doing that thing on January 1. A simple^Note Personally I don't find any p-value calculation to be 'simple,' but you know what I mean.
p-value calculation does not take this into account, so mathematically it appears less probable than it really is.
Y-axis doesn't start at zero: I truncated the Y-axes of the graph above. I also used a line graph, which makes the visual connection stand out more than it deserves. ^Note Nothing against line graphs. They are great at telling a story when you have linear data! But visually it is deceptive because the only data is at the points on the graph, not the lines on the graph. In between each point, the data could have been doing anything. Like going for a random walk by itself!
Mathematically what I showed is true, but it is intentionally misleading. Below is the same chart but with both Y-axes starting at zero.

Try it yourself

You can calculate the values on this page on your own! Try running the Python code to see the calculation results. ^{Show the steps to do this.} Step 1: Download and install Python on your computer.

Step 2: Open a plaintext editor like Notepad and paste the code below into it.

Step 3: Save the file as "calculate_correlation.py" in a place you will remember, like your desktop. Copy the file location to your clipboard. On Windows, you can right-click the file and click "Properties," and then copy what comes after "Location:" As an example, on my computer the location is "C:\Users\tyler\Desktop"

Step 4: Open a command line window. For example, by pressing start and typing "cmd" and them pressing enter.

Step 5: Install the required modules by typing "pip install numpy", then pressing enter, then typing "pip install scipy", then pressing enter.

Step 6: Navigate to the location where you saved the Python file by using the "cd" command. For example, I would type "cd C:\Users\tyler\Desktop" and push enter.

Step 7: Run the Python script by typing "python calculate_correlation.py"

If you run into any issues, I suggest asking ChatGPT to walk you through installing Python and running the code below on your system. Try this question:

"Walk me through installing Python on my computer to run a script that uses scipy and numpy. Go step-by-step and ask me to confirm before moving on. Start by asking me questions about my operating system so that you know how to proceed. Assume I want the simplest installation with the latest version of Python and that I do not currently have any of the necessary elements installed. Remember to only give me one step per response and confirm I have done it before proceeding."

# These modules make it easier to perform the calculation
import numpy as np
from scipy import stats

# We'll define a function that we can call to return the correlation calculations
def calculate_correlation(array1, array2):

    # Calculate Pearson correlation coefficient and p-value
    correlation, p_value = stats.pearsonr(array1, array2)

    # Calculate R-squared as the square of the correlation coefficient
    r_squared = correlation**2

    return correlation, r_squared, p_value

# These are the arrays for the variables shown on this page, but you can modify them to be any two sets of numbers
array_1 = np.array([305,327,396,342,358,391,393,397,414,425,422,425,422,324,360,328,])
array_2 = np.array([10,11,18,11,8,17,14,13,11,16,19,17,13,11,12,6,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the first name Neil"
array_2_name = "xkcd comics published about social media"

# Perform the calculation
print(f"Calculating the correlation between {array_1_name} and {array_2_name}...")
correlation, r_squared, p_value = calculate_correlation(array_1, array_2)

# Print the results
print("Correlation Coefficient:", correlation)
print("R-squared:", r_squared)
print("P-value:", p_value)

Reuseable content

You may re-use the images on this page for any purpose, even commercial purposes, without asking for permission. The only requirement is that you attribute Tyler Vigen. ^Note Attribution can take many different forms. If you leave the "tylervigen.com" link in the image, that satisfies it just fine. If you remove it and move it to a footnote, that's fine too. You can also just write "Charts courtesy of Tyler Vigen" at the bottom of an article.

You do not need to attribute "the spurious correlations website," and you don't even need to link here if you don't want to. I don't gain anything from pageviews. There are no ads on this site, there is nothing for sale, and I am not for hire.

For the record, I am just one person. Tyler Vigen, he/him/his. I do have degrees, but they should not go after my name unless you want to annoy my wife. If that is your goal, then go ahead and cite me as "Tyler Vigen, A.A. A.A.S. B.A. J.D." Otherwise it is just "Tyler Vigen."

When spoken, my last name is pronounced "vegan," like I don't eat meat.

Full license details.
For more on re-use permissions, or to get a signed release form, see tylervigen.com/permission.

Download images for these variables:

High resolution line chart ^Note The image linked here is a Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG). It is the highest resolution that is possible to achieve. It scales up beyond the size of the observable universe without pixelating. You do not need to email me asking if I have a higher resolution image. I do not. The physical limitations of our universe prevent me from providing you with an image that is any higher resolution than this one.

If you insert it into a PowerPoint presentation (a tool well-known for managing things that are the scale of the universe), you can right-click > "Ungroup" or "Create Shape" and then edit the lines and text directly. You can also change the colors this way.

Alternatively you can use a tool like Inkscape.
High resolution line chart, optimized for mobile
Alternative high resolution line chart
Scatterplot
Portable line chart (png)
Portable line chart (png), optimized for mobile
Line chart for only Popularity of the first name Neil
Line chart for only xkcd comics published about social media
The spurious research paper: Neil and Social Media Zeal: An xkcd Perspective

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Correlation ID: 1178 · Black Variable ID: 2811 · Red Variable ID: 20012


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