Spurious correlation #2,126 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Google searches for 'cat memes' and the second variable is Altria Group's stock price (MO). The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Google searches for 'cat memes' and the second variable is Altria Group's stock price (MO). The chart goes from 2004 to 2023, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As cat memes multiplied online, so did the purrr-chase of Altria's products. Perhaps the memes were meow-velous reminders for investors to put their money where the catnip is, leading to a whisker-licking good rise in stock prices for Altria Group. It seems like the secret to financial prosperity might just be a perfect balance of feline fun and investing in tobacco. Remember, when it comes to stocks, it's all about that purr-spective!

^{Show image generation prompt} Model: dalle-3
Prompt: Generate an image representing a person sitting at their computer, joyfully scrolling through a variety of cat memes on Google. In the background, a black-and-white stock market chart displays Altria Group's stock price fluctuating. The illustration should capture the person's enthusiastic expression, as well as the contrast between their leisurely activity and the serious financial data in the background, using a black-and-white newspaper style. 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 variables described. You respond only with the scene descriptions provided and say nothing else.
User prompt: Here are two variables: Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price. Given these, which of the following image style descriptions seems most appropriate? Pick the one that seems to be related to one of the variables at hand. Please respond with only one of the following potential descriptions: Realistic A black-and-white newspaper illustration Low poly Concept art Voxel art
ChatGPT: A black-and-white newspaper illustration

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You describe simple visual scenes that depict the two variables stated. You combine both variables into one scene.
User prompt: Please describe a visual scene that prominently depicts both Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price together. Keep the description simple.
ChatGPT: In the scene, a person is sitting at their computer, gleefully scrolling through a plethora of cat memes on Google, while a stock market chart displaying Altria Group's stock price fluctuates in the background.

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: [ A black-and-white newspaper illustration ] and depicting this scene: In the scene, a person is sitting at their computer, gleefully scrolling through a plethora of cat memes on Google, while a stock market chart displaying Altria Group's stock price fluctuates in the background. Keep the visual depiction simple. Do not include any words or speech bubbles.
ChatGPT: Generate an image representing a person sitting at their computer, joyfully scrolling through a variety of cat memes on Google. In the background, a black-and-white stock market chart displays Altria Group's stock price fluctuating. The illustration should capture the person's enthusiastic expression, as well as the contrast between their leisurely activity and the serious financial data in the background, using a black-and-white newspaper style.

*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 an increase in cat memes (Google searches for 'cat memes') caused Altria Group's stock price (MO) to increase. Include one good pun.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price

The Journal of Feline Finance and Internet Funnies

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 Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO). 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 you might move on to cartoons and children's shows that you watched for research.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the relationship between the frequency of Google searches for 'cat memes' and the stock price of Altria Group (MO) from 2004 to 2023. Utilizing data from Google Trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we applied statistical analysis to identify a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956, with a significance level of p < 0.01. The findings suggest a strong positive association, indicating that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group tends to rise. The implications of these results are not to be taken lightly, but rather with the same sense of humor as the feline memes themselves. There are certainly more than a few paw-sibilities for further inquiry into the curious connection between internet humor and financial markets.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of modern life, the intertwining of online trends and real-world phenomena has captured the attention of researchers across various fields. One particularly intriguing aspect of this intersection is the potential relationship between internet searches for "cat memes" and stock market performance, a subject that has generated both curious fascination and furrowed brows among scholars and financial analysts alike.
The motivation behind this study stems from the realization that the enduring popularity of 'cat memes' on the internet seems to transcend age, culture, and even species. These whimsical images and videos, often featuring witty captions or endearing feline antics, have garnered a remarkable degree of internet traffic and global attention. Given the widespread appeal of these amusing visual treats, one cannot help but wonder if there might be an unexpected connection between this internet phenomenon and the fortunes of a company such as Altria Group.
Altria Group, a major player in the tobacco and related products industry, may seem an unlikely candidate for correlation with the lighthearted world of 'cat memes.' However, as financial markets continually demonstrate their susceptibility to a myriad of external factors, the possibility of an unexpected linkage between internet search trends and stock prices cannot be dismissed out of paw. The significance of such a connection, should it prove to be more than mere coincidence, could potentially reverberate through the realms of market analysis, consumer behavior research, and media influence on financial markets.
While the topic at hand may elicit a chuckle or two from readers, the research that follows takes a disciplined and meticulous approach to examining the potential correlation between Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price. As we delve into the methods and results of this investigation, we invite readers to approach the findings with the same playfulness and curiosity as one might approach a purring feline friend – with a keen eye for unexpected insights and, perhaps, the occasional tail of wonder.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

The authors find that the connection between internet search behavior and stock market performance has been a subject of increasing interest in recent years. Smith et al. (2017) have explored the correlation between online search trends and various financial indicators, laying the groundwork for inquiries into unorthodox predictors of market behavior. In a similar vein, Doe and Jones (2019) have examined the impact of internet memes on consumer sentiment and purchasing patterns, shedding light on the potential influence of digital cultural phenomena on economic activities.

In "The Power of Meow: Understanding the Global Phenomenon of Cat Memes" (Brown, 2018), the author delves into the far-reaching impact of cat memes on online communities and their potential implications for social behavior. This comprehensive analysis highlights the pervasive nature of feline-centric internet content and raises intriguing questions about its broader societal effects. Additionally, "The Economics of Purr: Exploring the Financial Implications of Internet Feline Fads" (White, 2020) presents a theoretical framework for investigating the economic repercussions of cat-related online phenomena, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the subject matter.

Transitioning to more fictional but seemingly related sources, "Whiskers and Wealth: A Furry Tale of Stock Market Surprises" (Grey, 2016) and "The Price of Pawsitivity: A Tale of Wall Street Whiskers" (Black, 2019) provide imaginative narratives that blur the lines between financial intrigue and feline frolics. These whimsical works of fiction offer an unconventional lens through which to consider the interplay between internet humor and market dynamics.

In a departure from traditional academic references, the research team also draws insights from animated cartoons and children's shows to gain deeper understanding of the cultural significance of cat-themed content. Viewers of the "Paw Patrol" series and aficionados of "Garfield" comics are not immune to the appeal of humorous cat antics, and these popular media forms serve as valuable cultural touchpoints for examining the wider impact of feline-centric entertainment.

The amalgamation of serious scholarly inquiries, literary flights of fancy, and lighthearted cultural explorations serves to enrich the discourse surrounding the intersection of 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price. While the juxtaposition of these sources may seem unconventional, the authors emphasize the importance of embracing a multifaceted approach to comprehending the intricate relationship between online phenomena and financial markets.

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 Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO). 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 Google Trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv) . You used data from 2004 to 2023

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]]
Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the relationship between the frequency of Google searches for 'cat memes' and the stock price of Altria Group (MO) from 2004 to 2023. Utilizing data from Google Trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we applied statistical analysis to identify a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956, with a significance level of p < 0.01. The findings suggest a strong positive association, indicating that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group tends to rise. The implications of these results are not to be taken lightly, but rather with the same sense of humor as the feline memes themselves. There are certainly more than a few paw-sibilities for further inquiry into the curious connection between internet humor and financial markets.

[[INTRODUCTION]]
As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of modern life, the intertwining of online trends and real-world phenomena has captured the attention of researchers across various fields. One particularly intriguing aspect of this intersection is the potential relationship between internet searches for "cat memes" and stock market performance, a subject that has generated both curious fascination and furrowed brows among scholars and financial analysts alike.
The motivation behind this study stems from the realization that the enduring popularity of 'cat memes' on the internet seems to transcend age, culture, and even species. These whimsical images and videos, often featuring witty captions or endearing feline antics, have garnered a remarkable degree of internet traffic and global attention. Given the widespread appeal of these amusing visual treats, one cannot help but wonder if there might be an unexpected connection between this internet phenomenon and the fortunes of a company such as Altria Group.
Altria Group, a major player in the tobacco and related products industry, may seem an unlikely candidate for correlation with the lighthearted world of 'cat memes.' However, as financial markets continually demonstrate their susceptibility to a myriad of external factors, the possibility of an unexpected linkage between internet search trends and stock prices cannot be dismissed out of paw. The significance of such a connection, should it prove to be more than mere coincidence, could potentially reverberate through the realms of market analysis, consumer behavior research, and media influence on financial markets.
While the topic at hand may elicit a chuckle or two from readers, the research that follows takes a disciplined and meticulous approach to examining the potential correlation between Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price. As we delve into the methods and results of this investigation, we invite readers to approach the findings with the same playfulness and curiosity as one might approach a purring feline friend – with a keen eye for unexpected insights and, perhaps, the occasional tail of wonder.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

ChatGPT:

[[METHODOLOGY]]

Data Collection:
The data for this study was sourced from Google Trends, which provides information on the frequency of searches for specific keywords over time. Searches for the term 'cat memes' were tracked from 2004 to 2023, yielding a comprehensive dataset of internet user interest in feline-inspired humor. Additionally, stock price data for Altria Group (MO) was obtained from LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), offering a detailed record of the company's financial performance over the same time span.

Preprocessing:
Prior to analysis, the Google searches for 'cat memes' were meticulously combed through for any traces of 'catastrophes' or 'catalytic converters' in order to ensure the integrity of the data. Meanwhile, the stock price data for Altria Group was subjected to stringent scrutiny to filter out any anomalies that could potentially perturb the purrfect correlation.

Time Series Analysis:
To explore the possible relationship between the frequency of 'cat memes' searches and Altria Group's stock price, a time series analysis was conducted. This method allowed for the identification of temporal patterns and trends in both internet search activity and stock market fluctuations, unveiling any synchronicities that surfaced between the whimsical world of 'cat memes' and the serious business of stock investments.

Statistical Modeling:
A series of statistical models, including autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and vector autoregression (VAR) models were employed to examine the association between 'cat memes' searches and Altria Group's stock price. These models not only facilitated the estimation of the correlation coefficient, but also enabled the assessment of the direction and strength of the relationship while controlling for potential confounding factors, such as the impact of fluctuations in the global catnip market.

Robustness Checks:
In order to safeguard against spurious correlations and ensure the reliability of the findings, robustness checks were performed using alternative measures of internet humor, including searches for 'dog memes' and 'bad puns'. This approach served to validate the specificity of the discovered connection between 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price, thereby reinforcing the seriousness of our inquiry into the whimsical world of internet memes and financial markets.

Ethical Considerations:
Furthermore, ethical precautions were observed to uphold the integrity of the study, with particular attention paid to the responsible and respectful use of 'cat memes' in our research. All meme-related activities were conducted with the utmost care to avoid any inadvertent kneading of copyright laws, while still maximizing the potential for lightheartedness in our investigation.

In summary, the methodology employed in this study reflects a deliberate and systematic approach to uncovering the unexpected yet intriguing relationship between 'cat memes' searches and Altria Group's stock price. The adoption of rigorous analytical techniques, coupled with a dash of whimsy, has allowed for the exploration of this peculiar connection with scholarly rigor and more than a hint of playful curiosity.

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 Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO). 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]]
Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the relationship between the frequency of Google searches for 'cat memes' and the stock price of Altria Group (MO) from 2004 to 2023. Utilizing data from Google Trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we applied statistical analysis to identify a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956, with a significance level of p < 0.01. The findings suggest a strong positive association, indicating that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group tends to rise. The implications of these results are not to be taken lightly, but rather with the same sense of humor as the feline memes themselves. There are certainly more than a few paw-sibilities for further inquiry into the curious connection between internet humor and financial markets.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
The authors find that the connection between internet search behavior and stock market performance has been a subject of increasing interest in recent years. Smith et al. (2017) have explored the correlation between online search trends and various financial indicators, laying the groundwork for inquiries into unorthodox predictors of market behavior. In a similar vein, Doe and Jones (2019) have examined the impact of internet memes on consumer sentiment and purchasing patterns, shedding light on the potential influence of digital cultural phenomena on economic activities.
In "The Power of Meow: Understanding the Global Phenomenon of Cat Memes" (Brown, 2018), the author delves into the far-reaching impact of cat memes on online communities and their potential implications for social behavior. This comprehensive analysis highlights the pervasive nature of feline-centric internet content and raises intriguing questions about its broader societal effects. Additionally, "The Economics of Purr: Exploring the Financial Implications of Internet Feline Fads" (White, 2020) presents a theoretical framework for investigating the economic repercussions of cat-related online phenomena, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the subject matter.
Transitioning to more fictional but seemingly related sources, "Whiskers and Wealth: A Furry Tale of Stock Market Surprises" (Grey, 2016) and "The Price of Pawsitivity: A Tale of Wall Street Whiskers" (Black, 2019) provide imaginative narratives that blur the lines between financial intrigue and feline frolics. These whimsical works of fiction offer an unconventional lens through which to consider the interplay between internet humor and market dynamics.
In a departure from traditional academic references, the research team also draws insights from animated cartoons and children's shows to gain deeper understanding of the cultural significance of cat-themed content. Viewers of the "Paw Patrol" series and aficionados of "Garfield" comics are not immune to the appeal of humorous cat antics, and these popular media forms serve as valuable cultural touchpoints for examining the wider impact of feline-centric entertainment.
The amalgamation of serious scholarly inquiries, literary flights of fancy, and lighthearted cultural explorations serves to enrich the discourse surrounding the intersection of 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price. While the juxtaposition of these sources may seem unconventional, the authors emphasize the importance of embracing a multifaceted approach to comprehending the intricate relationship between online phenomena and financial markets.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956 between Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO) from 2004 to 2023. The level of significance, denoted by p < 0.01, underscores the robustness of this correlation. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8744038 indicates that approximately 87.44% of the variability in Altria Group's stock price can be explained by the frequency of 'cat meme' searches.
The scatterplot depicted in Fig. 1 aptly illustrates the remarkably close relationship between the two variables. Each data point seems to almost purrfectly align with the overall trend, leaving little room for skeptical whiskers to question the strength of the association.
The findings humorously suggest that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group exhibits a tendency to rise. This uncanny correlation presents a whisker-raising opportunity for further exploration into the enigmatic nexus between internet feline humor and financial markets.
These consequential results call for more than just a casual "paws" for thought; rather, they beckon additional inquiry into the intriguing influence of viral internet memes on corporate performance. The implications of this connection may provoke a ripple of laughter in some quarters, but they also underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of modern financial analysis.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

The findings of this study corroborate and extend prior research on the intersection of online phenomena and financial markets, particularly in the context of feline-centric internet content. Just as a cat tends to land on its feet, the correlation between Google searches for 'cat memes' and the stock price of Altria Group (MO) appears remarkably steady and robust. The strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956 lends empirical support to the seemingly fanciful notions put forth by previous literary flights of fancy (Grey, 2016; Black, 2019). It seems that beneath the veneer of whimsical storytelling lies a kernel of truth, or in this case, perhaps a kernel of catnip.

The literature offers a blending of serious scholarly inquiries and lighthearted cultural explorations, providing a rich backdrop against which to juxtapose our findings. The theoretical framework proposed in "The Economics of Purr" (White, 2020) appears to have found an unexpected ally in the form of statistical significance. Similarly, the fanciful tales of "Whiskers and Wealth" (Grey, 2016) and "The Price of Pawsitivity" (Black, 2019) may not be as far-fetched as they initially seem. As the data purr-tains to the financial implications of internet feline fads, it becomes increasingly clear that the study of this correlation is not merely a flight of fancy.

The implications of these results go beyond mere academic amusement. They raise substantive questions about the factors influencing market dynamics and the unorthodox predictors thereof. The close relationship between online searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price underscores the multifaceted nature of online humor's influence on financial markets. While some may find humor in the notion of feline memes driving corporate performance, the statistical evidence suggests that this topic is not to be brushed off as mere fluff. Instead, it warrants further inquiry to more fully understand the implications of this curious connection.

In conclusion, the pawsitively purrfect correlation identified in this study provides a platform for future investigations into the curious nexus between internet feline humor and financial performance. The interplay between 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price merits further scrutiny beyond the realm of entertainment, as it highlights the profound impact of online cultural phenomena on economic activities. The quirky nature of this correlation invites not only laughter but also serious consideration, prompting analysts to recognize that sometimes the most unexpected relationships can lead to meaningful insights into market behavior.

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 Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO). 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]]
Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price

[[ABSTRACT]]
This study examines the relationship between the frequency of Google searches for 'cat memes' and the stock price of Altria Group (MO) from 2004 to 2023. Utilizing data from Google Trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we applied statistical analysis to identify a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956, with a significance level of p < 0.01. The findings suggest a strong positive association, indicating that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group tends to rise. The implications of these results are not to be taken lightly, but rather with the same sense of humor as the feline memes themselves. There are certainly more than a few paw-sibilities for further inquiry into the curious connection between internet humor and financial markets.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
As the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of modern life, the intertwining of online trends and real-world phenomena has captured the attention of researchers across various fields. One particularly intriguing aspect of this intersection is the potential relationship between internet searches for "cat memes" and stock market performance, a subject that has generated both curious fascination and furrowed brows among scholars and financial analysts alike.
The motivation behind this study stems from the realization that the enduring popularity of 'cat memes' on the internet seems to transcend age, culture, and even species. These whimsical images and videos, often featuring witty captions or endearing feline antics, have garnered a remarkable degree of internet traffic and global attention. Given the widespread appeal of these amusing visual treats, one cannot help but wonder if there might be an unexpected connection between this internet phenomenon and the fortunes of a company such as Altria Group.
Altria Group, a major player in the tobacco and related products industry, may seem an unlikely candidate for correlation with the lighthearted world of 'cat memes.' However, as financial markets continually demonstrate their susceptibility to a myriad of external factors, the possibility of an unexpected linkage between internet search trends and stock prices cannot be dismissed out of paw. The significance of such a connection, should it prove to be more than mere coincidence, could potentially reverberate through the realms of market analysis, consumer behavior research, and media influence on financial markets.
While the topic at hand may elicit a chuckle or two from readers, the research that follows takes a disciplined and meticulous approach to examining the potential correlation between Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price. As we delve into the methods and results of this investigation, we invite readers to approach the findings with the same playfulness and curiosity as one might approach a purring feline friend – with a keen eye for unexpected insights and, perhaps, the occasional tail of wonder.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis revealed a strikingly high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956 between Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO) from 2004 to 2023. The level of significance, denoted by p < 0.01, underscores the robustness of this correlation. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (r-squared) of 0.8744038 indicates that approximately 87.44% of the variability in Altria Group's stock price can be explained by the frequency of 'cat meme' searches.
The scatterplot depicted in Fig. 1 aptly illustrates the remarkably close relationship between the two variables. Each data point seems to almost purrfectly align with the overall trend, leaving little room for skeptical whiskers to question the strength of the association.
The findings humorously suggest that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group exhibits a tendency to rise. This uncanny correlation presents a whisker-raising opportunity for further exploration into the enigmatic nexus between internet feline humor and financial markets.
These consequential results call for more than just a casual "paws" for thought; rather, they beckon additional inquiry into the intriguing influence of viral internet memes on corporate performance. The implications of this connection may provoke a ripple of laughter in some quarters, but they also underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of modern financial analysis.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, the findings of this study reveal a remarkably high correlation between Google searches for 'cat memes' and Altria Group's stock price (MO) from 2004 to 2023. The almost purrfectly aligned scatterplot illustrates the strength of this unlikely relationship. While some may find the notion of 'cat memes' influencing financial markets amusing, the statistically significant correlation coefficient of 0.9350956 and the robust coefficient of determination (r-squared = 0.8744038) warrant serious consideration.

The implications of this correlation extend beyond the realms of finance and internet culture. They raise intriguing questions about the potential impact of online trends on consumer behavior and market dynamics. It seems that the whimsical world of feline humor may hold unforeseen influence over corporate performance, prompting us to approach internet memes not only with a sense of amusement but also with a measure of analytic scrutiny.

As we wrap up this study, we encourage readers to approach the unexpected connection between 'cat memes' and stock prices with a discerning eye, but also with a playful spirit. After all, this peculiar relationship illustrates the curious and often unpredictable nature of the financial landscape. However, it may be prudent to not invest solely based on the whims of our feline friends.

In light of the compelling evidence presented, we assert that further research into this peculiar correlation is unnecessary. The findings of this study should be regarded as the finial word on the matter. Any additional investigation may risk treading into a realm best left to the cats – with their mysterious ways and inscrutable motives.

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 Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Feline Finance and Internet Funnies

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 Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Feline Research Institute

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 Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price with an abstract of This study examines the relationship between the frequency of Google searches for 'cat memes' and the stock price of Altria Group (MO) from 2004 to 2023. Utilizing data from Google Trends and LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv), we applied statistical analysis to identify a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9350956, with a significance level of p < 0.01. The findings suggest a strong positive association, indicating that as the prevalence of 'cat memes' in online searches increases, the stock price of Altria Group tends to rise. The implications of these results are not to be taken lightly, but rather with the same sense of humor as the feline memes themselves. There are certainly more than a few paw-sibilities for further inquiry into the curious connection between internet humor and financial markets.

ChatGPT:

'cat memes' search frequency, Altria Group stock price correlation, Google Trends data analysis, relationship between online searches and stock prices, internet humor impact on financial markets

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

Random correlation

Discover a new correlation

View all correlations

View all research papers

Report an error

Data details

Google searches for 'cat memes'
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'cat memes' (Worldwide, without quotes)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume (not absolute numbers)

See what else correlates with Google searches for 'cat memes'

Altria Group's stock price (MO)
Detailed data title: Opening price of Altria Group (MO) on the first trading day of the year
Source: LSEG Analytics (Refinitiv)
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Via Microsoft Excel Stockhistory function

See what else correlates with Altria Group's stock price (MO)

Correlation r = 0.9350956 (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 = 0.8744038 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 87.4% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Altria Group's stock price (MO)) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Google searches for 'cat memes') over the 20 years from 2004 through 2023.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 1.5E-9.^Show 0.0000000015315679575801765000
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 0.94 in 1.5E-7% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 652,925,647 random variables^Note You don't actually need 652 million variables to find a correlation like this one. I don't have that many variables in my database. You can also correlate variables that are not independent. I do this a lot.

p-value calculations are useful for understanding the probability of a result happening by chance. They are most useful when used to highlight the risk of a fluke outcome. For example, if you calculate a p-value of 0.30, the risk that the result is a fluke is high. It is good to know that! But there are lots of ways to get a p-value of less than 0.01, as evidenced by this project.

In this particular case, the values are so extreme as to be meaningless. That's why no one reports p-values with specificity after they drop below 0.01.

Just to be clear: I'm being completely transparent about the calculations. There is no math trickery. This is just how statistics shakes out when you calculate hundreds of millions of random correlations.
with the same 19 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 19 because we have two variables measured over a period of 20 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.

[ 0.84, 0.97 ] 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.

	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023
Google searches for 'cat memes' (Rel. search volume)	0.166667	0.25	0.181818	1	0.25	0.333333	0.5	1.6	9.25	19.25	19.5	29.75	36.6667	40.5	35.75	45.3333	30.1667	21	23.75	20.9
Altria Group's stock price (MO) (Stock price)	12.65	14.23	17.39	19.93	23.29	15.18	19.77	24.71	28.65	32.12	38.27	49.3	57.54	67.74	71.51	48.91	50.19	41.08	47.37	45.73

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.

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([0.166667,0.25,0.181818,1,0.25,0.333333,0.5,1.6,9.25,19.25,19.5,29.75,36.6667,40.5,35.75,45.3333,30.1667,21,23.75,20.9,])
array_2 = np.array([12.65,14.23,17.39,19.93,23.29,15.18,19.77,24.71,28.65,32.12,38.27,49.3,57.54,67.74,71.51,48.91,50.19,41.08,47.37,45.73,])
array_1_name = "Google searches for 'cat memes'"
array_2_name = "Altria Group's stock price (MO)"

# 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 Google searches for 'cat memes'
Line chart for only Altria Group's stock price (MO)
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Pawsitively Purrfect: The Correlation between Google Searches for 'Cat Memes' and Altria Group's Stock Price

View another random correlation

How fun was this correlation?

You're the correlation whisperer we needed!

Correlation ID: 2126 · Black Variable ID: 1355 · Red Variable ID: 1661


Problem variable:
Issue:
Additional details: Optional
Confirm you are a human: