Kibology refers to a satirical, pseudo-religious movement or belief system that emerged within the early days of the internet. Originating from Usenet groups during the 1980s, it is primarily characterized by its humorous and sarcastic take on technology, geek culture, and the online community itself.
The term "Kibology" is derived from the word "Kibo," which was the username of James Parry, a well-known internet user and self-proclaimed leader of the movement. Kibology incorporates elements of absurdity, irony, and parody, often mocking various online phenomena, such as online debates, flamewars, and the perceived arrogance of experts.
Followers of Kibology, known as Kibologists, engage in deliberate acts of trolling, fake arguments, and creating elaborate mythologies around invented characters. The movement revolves around mocking and subverting traditional forms of online discourse, often through the use of wit and clever wordplay.
Kibology can be seen as a form of cultural resistance, challenging the seriousness and self-importance often associated with internet discussions. It is a prime example of internet culture's ability to create and sustain subversive humor and inside jokes.
While Kibology is primarily rooted in the early internet era, it has had a lasting influence on subsequent generations of internet subcultures and serves as a precursor to various online communities that value irony, irreverence, and the subversion of norms.
