Spurious correlation #4,876 · View random
A linear line chart with years as the X-axis and two variables on the Y-axis. The first variable is Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme and the second variable is Kerosene used in Panama. The chart goes from 2012 to 2021, 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 Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme and the second variable is Kerosene used in Panama. The chart goes from 2012 to 2021, and the two variables track closely in value over that time.

Download png, svg

AI explanation

As the 'call me maybe' meme faded into oblivion, people just weren't feeling the same spark and connection anymore. With lesser demand for romantic rendezvous, the need for kerosene-fueled candlelit dinners in Panama waned, leading to a noticeable decrease in kerosene usage. Who knew that a meme could have such a wick-ed impact on the kerosene market in Panama!

^{Show image generation prompt} Create a meme inspired by the call me maybe meme that in some way references Kerosene used in Panama. Try to emulate the style of the meme - don’t violate the copyright, just make it look and feel like the original meme.

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

*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 a decrease in Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme caused Kerosene used in Panama to decrease.

AI academic paper

(Because p < 0.01)

Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama

The Journal of Meme Studies

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 goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 'call me maybe' meme and Kerosene used in Panama. Make lots of 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 cite some social media posts you read that seem to be related.

Here is the title and abstract of the paper:
[[TITLE]]
"Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we explore the eyebrow-raising connection between the unrelenting popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. While one may initially dismiss this as an airy-fairy association, our research delves deep into the data to uncover the surprising link. Utilizing Google Trends and Energy Information Administration data, our findings reveal a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9979266 and a significance level of p < 0.01 from 2012 to 2021. Through rigorous analysis and statistical modeling, we provide compelling evidence that the catchy and infectious nature of the meme has a measurable impact on kerosene usage patterns in Panama. Our research not only sheds light on this quirky correlation but also underscores the need for interdisciplinary investigation to quench the thirst for understanding such enigmatic phenomena.

-------

And here is the introduction section that led to this literature review:
[[INTRODUCTION]]
Introduction
The field of research often leads us down unexpected paths, unraveling peculiar and seemingly unrelated connections that defy conventional wisdom. In this paper, we delve into one such curious association: the correlation between the enduring popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. While this linkage may initially appear as improbable as finding a unicorn in a cornfield, our investigation unveils a compelling relationship that beckons scrutiny.
The "Call Me Maybe" meme, originating from Carly Rae Jepsen's infectiously catchy song, has permeated the cultural landscape with the tenacity of a determined earworm. Its ubiquity in internet culture has sparked countless parodies, remixes, and internet memes, persisting as a testament to humanity's collective affinity for irresistibly silly pop culture fragments. On the other hand, kerosene remains a staple energy source in many parts of the world, including Panama, where it serves as a vital fuel for lighting and cooking, maintaining a presence as steadfast as the enduring allure of the aforementioned meme.
The amalgamation of these seemingly disparate entities forms the crux of our investigation. By bridging the seemingly unrelated realms of internet memes and energy consumption, we venture into uncharted territory, seeking to unravel the enigmatic threads that bind them. While the average onlooker may raise a quizzical eyebrow at the juxtaposition of 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene, we approach this with the rigor and skepticism that befits scientific inquiry.
In this paper, we present a thorough analysis of the correlation between the 'Call Me Maybe' meme and kerosene consumption in Panama, scrutinizing the data through the lens of statistical analysis and interdisciplinary exploration. Our aim is not merely to present a curious finding, but to provoke a thoughtful introspection into the unsuspecting consequences of cultural phenomena on real-world behavior. Just as a meme spreads through a digital web, rippling through the virtual and physical worlds alike, so too may its influence be felt in unexpected domains. This study sheds light on an intriguing entanglement, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the peculiar interplay between popular culture and societal patterns.
As we embark on this unconventional odyssey, we invite the reader to suspend disbelief and join us in unraveling this captivating correlation. Our findings not only uncover a remarkable statistical relationship but also beckon further exploration, emphasizing the profoundly interdisciplinary nature of this investigation. So, without further ado, let us venture forth into the nexus of 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene, where the interplay of memes and molecules awaits our scholarly scrutiny.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]

ChatGPT:
Literature Review

The correlation between cultural phenomena and real-world behavior has long intrigued researchers across disciplines, prompting investigations into unexpected and often whimsical connections. While scholarly discourse typically gravitates toward conventional linkages, the unconventional and often derided associations can yield captivating insights that challenge the boundaries of knowledge. In the context of the present study, the correlation between the perpetuation of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and kerosene consumption in Panama missions to disentangle such puzzling enigmas. As we embark on this pursuit of understanding, we survey a range of scholarly works and unconventional sources to establish the groundwork for our exploration.

Smith and Doe (2010) undertook an extensive survey of internet memes and their societal impact, shedding light on the often underestimated influence of seemingly trivial online content. Their research points to the significance of internet memes as cultural artifacts that permeate daily life, shaping opinions, behaviors, and even, as this study postulates, fuel consumption patterns in specific geographic regions.

Jones (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of energy usage in Central American countries, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of kerosene consumption in Panama. While the focus of the study lay in economic and infrastructural factors, the findings lay the groundwork for the exploration of unusual correlations, harnessing the ubiquitous nature of memes as potential drivers of energy usage.

In "The Economics of Memes" (Grossman, 2018), the author navigates the intricate relationship between internet memes and their impact on consumer behavior. While primarily focused on consumer preferences and market dynamics, this theoretical framework offers a lens through which to examine the unexpected influence of 'Call Me Maybe' memes on fuel consumption patterns, paving the way for interdisciplinary investigations.

Turning to more unconventional sources, "Memes and Molecules: A Physicist's Perspective" (Feynman, 1998) offers a whimsical divergence from traditional research literature, exploring the interconnectedness of cultural phenomena and physical matter. While not directly related to our subject matter, this work serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of seemingly distinct domains, setting the stage for further exploration into the interplay of memes and kerosene molecules in Panama.

In the realm of fiction, works such as "The Meme Manifesto" (Orwell, 1949), and "The Chronicles of Kerosene" (Tolkien, 1954) offer playful musings on the power of ideas and the enduring influence of seemingly innocuous cultural artifacts. While not grounded in empirical data, these narratives provide a whimsical backdrop against which to consider the unexpected interplay of 'Call Me Maybe' memes and kerosene in Panama.

Moreover, this literature review considers the invaluable insights garnered from social media interactions, wherein numerous posts and discussions corroborate the entwined nature of the 'Call Me Maybe' meme and kerosene consumption in Panama. From lighthearted memes juxtaposing Carly Rae Jepsen's lyrics with kerosene canisters to earnest inquiries pondering the underlying mechanics of this correlation, social media chatter serves as an unexpected yet intriguing source of anecdotal evidence.

In synthesizing these diverse sources, we aim to lay the foundation for a rigorous examination of the interplay between cultural phenomena and tangible behaviors. The eclectic nature of the literary and non-literary sources speaks to the offbeat and interdisciplinary nature of our investigation, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of the unexpected nexus between 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene in Panama.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 'call me maybe' meme and Kerosene used in Panama. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
"Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we explore the eyebrow-raising connection between the unrelenting popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. While one may initially dismiss this as an airy-fairy association, our research delves deep into the data to uncover the surprising link. Utilizing Google Trends and Energy Information Administration data, our findings reveal a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9979266 and a significance level of p < 0.01 from 2012 to 2021. Through rigorous analysis and statistical modeling, we provide compelling evidence that the catchy and infectious nature of the meme has a measurable impact on kerosene usage patterns in Panama. Our research not only sheds light on this quirky correlation but also underscores the need for interdisciplinary investigation to quench the thirst for understanding such enigmatic phenomena.

[[LITERATURE REVIEW]]
Literature Review
The correlation between cultural phenomena and real-world behavior has long intrigued researchers across disciplines, prompting investigations into unexpected and often whimsical connections. While scholarly discourse typically gravitates toward conventional linkages, the unconventional and often derided associations can yield captivating insights that challenge the boundaries of knowledge. In the context of the present study, the correlation between the perpetuation of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and kerosene consumption in Panama missions to disentangle such puzzling enigmas. As we embark on this pursuit of understanding, we survey a range of scholarly works and unconventional sources to establish the groundwork for our exploration.
Smith and Doe (2010) undertook an extensive survey of internet memes and their societal impact, shedding light on the often underestimated influence of seemingly trivial online content. Their research points to the significance of internet memes as cultural artifacts that permeate daily life, shaping opinions, behaviors, and even, as this study postulates, fuel consumption patterns in specific geographic regions.
Jones (2015) conducted a comprehensive analysis of energy usage in Central American countries, providing valuable insights into the dynamics of kerosene consumption in Panama. While the focus of the study lay in economic and infrastructural factors, the findings lay the groundwork for the exploration of unusual correlations, harnessing the ubiquitous nature of memes as potential drivers of energy usage.
In "The Economics of Memes" (Grossman, 2018), the author navigates the intricate relationship between internet memes and their impact on consumer behavior. While primarily focused on consumer preferences and market dynamics, this theoretical framework offers a lens through which to examine the unexpected influence of 'Call Me Maybe' memes on fuel consumption patterns, paving the way for interdisciplinary investigations.
Turning to more unconventional sources, "Memes and Molecules: A Physicist's Perspective" (Feynman, 1998) offers a whimsical divergence from traditional research literature, exploring the interconnectedness of cultural phenomena and physical matter. While not directly related to our subject matter, this work serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of seemingly distinct domains, setting the stage for further exploration into the interplay of memes and kerosene molecules in Panama.
In the realm of fiction, works such as "The Meme Manifesto" (Orwell, 1949), and "The Chronicles of Kerosene" (Tolkien, 1954) offer playful musings on the power of ideas and the enduring influence of seemingly innocuous cultural artifacts. While not grounded in empirical data, these narratives provide a whimsical backdrop against which to consider the unexpected interplay of 'Call Me Maybe' memes and kerosene in Panama.
Moreover, this literature review considers the invaluable insights garnered from social media interactions, wherein numerous posts and discussions corroborate the entwined nature of the 'Call Me Maybe' meme and kerosene consumption in Panama. From lighthearted memes juxtaposing Carly Rae Jepsen's lyrics with kerosene canisters to earnest inquiries pondering the underlying mechanics of this correlation, social media chatter serves as an unexpected yet intriguing source of anecdotal evidence.
In synthesizing these diverse sources, we aim to lay the foundation for a rigorous examination of the interplay between cultural phenomena and tangible behaviors. The eclectic nature of the literary and non-literary sources speaks to the offbeat and interdisciplinary nature of our investigation, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of the unexpected nexus between 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene in Panama.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the data revealed a remarkably high correlation between the popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and kerosene consumption in Panama from 2012 to 2021. The correlation coefficient, a jaw-dropping 0.9979266, indicates an almost inseparable link between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Similarly, the r-squared value of 0.9958576 vividly illustrates the tight embrace of these variables, leaving little room for doubt about their entwined nature.
The p-value, clocking in at less than 0.01, further reinforces the robustness of this correlation, effectively quelling any skeptical murmurs and cementing the statistical significance of our findings. In simpler terms, the likelihood of this relationship being a mere fluke is about as rare as finding a polar bear in the Sahara.
In Figure 1, the scatterplot artfully depicts the strong correlation between the two variables, reminiscent of two long-lost friends joyously reuniting after years of separation. The data points huddle closely together, harmonizing in a melodic dance that echoes the infectious nature of the "Call Me Maybe" meme itself.
It is important to note that while correlation does not necessarily imply causation, the strength of this correlation certainly raises eyebrows and beckons further exploration. One could almost imagine the meme whispering in the ear of kerosene, "Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my influence, so use me, maybe?"
In conclusion, our findings illuminate a most unexpected and intriguing relationship between internet culture and real-world energy consumption, highlighting the profound, if not slightly bizarre, impact of popular memes on societal behavior. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary investigations that transcend the conventional boundaries of research, reminding us that the world of science is rife with surprising connections waiting to be unearthed.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[DISCUSSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[DISCUSSION]]

Our study has brought to light an unusual but resoundingly robust correlation between the enduring popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and kerosene consumption in Panama. While the seemingly whimsical nature of this association may raise eyebrows, the statistical findings unapologetically assert its undeniable existence. Our results not only support the prior research but also mark a significant leap in substantiating the peculiar interplay between cultural memes and tangible behaviors.

Drawing from the literature review, the studious insights of Smith and Doe (2010) regarding the influence of internet memes as cultural artifacts have found resonance in our empirical findings. The persuasive evidence of a near-perfect correlation coefficient echoes the notion of memes permeating daily life, in this case, extending their influence to shape energy consumption habits in Panama. It appears that "Call Me Maybe" may have cunningly woven its way into the psyche of Panamanian consumers, whispering "Hey, I just met you, and this is fuel-crazed, but here's my jingle, so use me, maybe?"

Likewise, the groundwork laid by Jones (2015) in understanding kerosene consumption dynamics in Central America finds an unexpected ally in our results. The data suggests that there is more to the patterns of kerosene usage than meets the eye, as the sway of the "Call Me Maybe" meme cascades into the realm of energy consumption. This quirky correlation underscores that the world of empirical inquiry is as wacky and wonderful as a meme-fueled virtual dance party.

The theoretical framework offered by Grossman (2018) in examining the impact of internet memes on consumer behavior may have ventured into the realm of the absurd with our findings. The robust statistical significance of the correlation serves as an empirical testament to the unexpected influence of "Call Me Maybe" memes on fuel consumption patterns, leading us to emphatically proclaim, "the memes may not lie!"

Taking a flight of whimsy akin to Feynman's (1998) playful divergence into the interplay of cultural phenomena and physical matter, our results unravel a connection that is as unanticipated as it is statistically indisputable. The power of seemingly innocuous cultural artifacts such as memes in shadowing the behavior of kerosene molecules in Panama may suggest an unexpected symbiosis that captivates the imagination and fuels the quest for further interdisciplinary investigations.

While acknowledging that correlation does not imply causation, the strength of this remarkable correlation between the perpetuation of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and kerosene consumption in Panama beckons further exploration. The irrefutable statistical embrace of these variables challenges traditional conceptions of influence and hints at a dynamic that transcends conventional wisdom, leaving us to ponder the enigmatic and whimsical interplay of internet culture and real-world energy consumption.

As we peer into this offbeat corner of interdisciplinary research, our findings invite a playful nod at seemingly unconventional connections, reminding us that the world of empirical inquiry is ripe with surprises waiting to be discovered and adding a light-hearted touch to the oft-serious discourse of academic research. So, brace yourselves for a future where memes and molecules may dance a statistical tango, shaping the contours of our understanding in delightfully unexpected ways.

Model: gpt-3.5-turbo-1106
System prompt: You are a goofy academic researcher writing an academic paper. You follow the rules, but you throw out convention regularly to make jokes and funny asides.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 'call me maybe' meme and Kerosene used in Panama. Make lots of jokes, goofy observations, and puns. Stay serious and dry most of the time, but then occasionally let your wit shine through.

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]]
"Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama"

[[ABSTRACT]]
In this study, we explore the eyebrow-raising connection between the unrelenting popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. While one may initially dismiss this as an airy-fairy association, our research delves deep into the data to uncover the surprising link. Utilizing Google Trends and Energy Information Administration data, our findings reveal a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9979266 and a significance level of p < 0.01 from 2012 to 2021. Through rigorous analysis and statistical modeling, we provide compelling evidence that the catchy and infectious nature of the meme has a measurable impact on kerosene usage patterns in Panama. Our research not only sheds light on this quirky correlation but also underscores the need for interdisciplinary investigation to quench the thirst for understanding such enigmatic phenomena.

[[INTRDUCTION]]
Introduction
The field of research often leads us down unexpected paths, unraveling peculiar and seemingly unrelated connections that defy conventional wisdom. In this paper, we delve into one such curious association: the correlation between the enduring popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. While this linkage may initially appear as improbable as finding a unicorn in a cornfield, our investigation unveils a compelling relationship that beckons scrutiny.
The "Call Me Maybe" meme, originating from Carly Rae Jepsen's infectiously catchy song, has permeated the cultural landscape with the tenacity of a determined earworm. Its ubiquity in internet culture has sparked countless parodies, remixes, and internet memes, persisting as a testament to humanity's collective affinity for irresistibly silly pop culture fragments. On the other hand, kerosene remains a staple energy source in many parts of the world, including Panama, where it serves as a vital fuel for lighting and cooking, maintaining a presence as steadfast as the enduring allure of the aforementioned meme.
The amalgamation of these seemingly disparate entities forms the crux of our investigation. By bridging the seemingly unrelated realms of internet memes and energy consumption, we venture into uncharted territory, seeking to unravel the enigmatic threads that bind them. While the average onlooker may raise a quizzical eyebrow at the juxtaposition of 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene, we approach this with the rigor and skepticism that befits scientific inquiry.
In this paper, we present a thorough analysis of the correlation between the 'Call Me Maybe' meme and kerosene consumption in Panama, scrutinizing the data through the lens of statistical analysis and interdisciplinary exploration. Our aim is not merely to present a curious finding, but to provoke a thoughtful introspection into the unsuspecting consequences of cultural phenomena on real-world behavior. Just as a meme spreads through a digital web, rippling through the virtual and physical worlds alike, so too may its influence be felt in unexpected domains. This study sheds light on an intriguing entanglement, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the peculiar interplay between popular culture and societal patterns.
As we embark on this unconventional odyssey, we invite the reader to suspend disbelief and join us in unraveling this captivating correlation. Our findings not only uncover a remarkable statistical relationship but also beckon further exploration, emphasizing the profoundly interdisciplinary nature of this investigation. So, without further ado, let us venture forth into the nexus of 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene, where the interplay of memes and molecules awaits our scholarly scrutiny.

[[RESULTS]]
The statistical analysis of the data revealed a remarkably high correlation between the popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and kerosene consumption in Panama from 2012 to 2021. The correlation coefficient, a jaw-dropping 0.9979266, indicates an almost inseparable link between these seemingly disparate phenomena. Similarly, the r-squared value of 0.9958576 vividly illustrates the tight embrace of these variables, leaving little room for doubt about their entwined nature.
The p-value, clocking in at less than 0.01, further reinforces the robustness of this correlation, effectively quelling any skeptical murmurs and cementing the statistical significance of our findings. In simpler terms, the likelihood of this relationship being a mere fluke is about as rare as finding a polar bear in the Sahara.
In Figure 1, the scatterplot artfully depicts the strong correlation between the two variables, reminiscent of two long-lost friends joyously reuniting after years of separation. The data points huddle closely together, harmonizing in a melodic dance that echoes the infectious nature of the "Call Me Maybe" meme itself.
It is important to note that while correlation does not necessarily imply causation, the strength of this correlation certainly raises eyebrows and beckons further exploration. One could almost imagine the meme whispering in the ear of kerosene, "Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy, but here's my influence, so use me, maybe?"
In conclusion, our findings illuminate a most unexpected and intriguing relationship between internet culture and real-world energy consumption, highlighting the profound, if not slightly bizarre, impact of popular memes on societal behavior. This study underscores the need for interdisciplinary investigations that transcend the conventional boundaries of research, reminding us that the world of science is rife with surprising connections waiting to be unearthed.

-------

Your response should start like this:

[[CONCLUSION]]

ChatGPT:

[[CONCLUSION]]

In conclusion, our research has illuminated a most unexpected and intriguing relationship between the unrelenting popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. This study has underscored the profound, if not slightly bizarre, impact of popular memes on societal behavior, serving as a reminder that the world of interdisciplinary research is rife with surprising connections waiting to be unearthed. The statistical correlation coefficient of 0.9979266 and a significance level of p < 0.01 have left skeptics as perplexed as a penguin in the desert, emphasizing the robustness and rareness of this fascinating linkage.

While correlation does not imply causation, one cannot help but wonder if kerosene whispers back to the meme, saying, "Your influence is undeniable, so I'll use you, maybe?" The meritorious scatterplot visually depicts the strong bond between the two variables, akin to a heartwarming reunion of long-lost friends, reassuring us that their connection is as tangible as a pineapple pizza at a tropical luau.

Further interdisciplinary investigations are essential in exploring the ripple effects of cultural phenomena on real-world behaviors. However, given the compelling nature of our findings, it seems that this avenue of research has reached its zenith. Like a well-timed meme, this correlation beckons no further remixes or parodies—this quirky connection between 'Call Me Maybe' and kerosene usage can rest assured in its singular, bewitching glory. With that in mind, we assert that no more research is needed in this area, for this deliciously whimsical correlation stands as a unique testament to the captivating, unpredictable nature of scientific inquiry.

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 Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama. Respond only with the name of a fictional academic journal.

ChatGPT:

The Journal of Meme Studies

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 Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama. Respond only with the name of a fictional organization.

ChatGPT:

The Society for Absurd Research Endeavors and Cross-Disciplinary Studies (SARECS)

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 Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama with an abstract of In this study, we explore the eyebrow-raising connection between the unrelenting popularity of the "Call Me Maybe" meme and the consumption of kerosene in Panama. While one may initially dismiss this as an airy-fairy association, our research delves deep into the data to uncover the surprising link. Utilizing Google Trends and Energy Information Administration data, our findings reveal a remarkably high correlation coefficient of 0.9979266 and a significance level of p < 0.01 from 2012 to 2021. Through rigorous analysis and statistical modeling, we provide compelling evidence that the catchy and infectious nature of the meme has a measurable impact on kerosene usage patterns in Panama. Our research not only sheds light on this quirky correlation but also underscores the need for interdisciplinary investigation to quench the thirst for understanding such enigmatic phenomena.

ChatGPT:

"Call Me Maybe" meme, kerosene consumption, Panama, correlation, Google Trends, Energy Information Administration, statistical modeling, interdisciplinary investigation

*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 'call me maybe' meme
Detailed data title: Relative volume of Google searches for 'call me maybe' (without quotes, in the United States)
Source: Google Trends
Additional Info: ^{See full details} Relative search volume is a unique Google thing; the shape of the chart is accurate but the actual numbers are meaningless.

See what else correlates with Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme

Kerosene used in Panama
Detailed data title: Volume of kerosene used consumed in Panama in millions of barrels per day
Source: Energy Information Administration
See what else correlates with Kerosene used in Panama

Correlation r = 0.9979266 (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 = 0.9958576 (Coefficient of determination)
This means 99.6% of the change in the one variable (i.e., Kerosene used in Panama) is predictable based on the change in the other (i.e., Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme) over the 10 years from 2012 through 2021.

p < 0.01, which is statistically significant(Null hypothesis significance test)
The p-value is 8.06E-11.^Show 0.0000000000806495416567172600
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 1 in 8.06E-9% of random cases. Said differently, if you correlated 12,399,326,511 random variables^Note You don't actually need 12 billion 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 9 degrees of freedom, ^Note Degrees of freedom is a measure of how many free components we are testing. In this case it is 9 because we have two variables measured over a period of 10 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.

[ 0.99, 1 ] 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.

	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme (Relative popularity)	43.9167	10.0833	3.75	2.66667	1.75	1.66667	1.16667	1	1	1
Kerosene used in Panama (Million Barrels/Day)	1.33057	0.317671	0.0635342	0.021178	0.043452	0.0434521	0.0202052	0.0434521	0.0434521	0.0434521

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([43.9167,10.0833,3.75,2.66667,1.75,1.66667,1.16667,1,1,1,])
array_2 = np.array([1.33057,0.317671,0.0635342,0.021178,0.043452,0.0434521,0.0202052,0.0434521,0.0434521,0.0434521,])
array_1_name = "Popularity of the 'call me maybe' meme"
array_2_name = "Kerosene used in Panama"

# 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 'call me maybe' meme
Line chart for only Kerosene used in Panama
AI-generated correlation image
The spurious research paper: Fueling the Fire: The Correlation Between 'Call Me Maybe' Memes and Kerosene Consumption in Panama

View another random correlation

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Correlation ID: 4876 · Black Variable ID: 25106 · Red Variable ID: 24798


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