Polytechnic University of The Philippines
College Of Architecture, Design, And the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Sta. Mesa, Manila
LAUGHING WHILE SANITIZING:
Assessing the influence of Memes on Alcohol Disinfection Practices
In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the
Subject Business Management and Application for Architecture 2
Proponents:
Bellen, Lea Ann A.
dela Rosa, Paul Angel S.
Ramos, Teodorico B., III
BS Architecture 5-2
Submitted To:
Ar. Erico G. Abordo, UAP, UIA, AFA
February 10, 2024
Polytechnic University of The Philippines
College Of Architecture, Design, And the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Sta. Mesa, Manila
ALCOHOL DISINFECTION EXPERIMENT
Promoting sanitation by alcohol disinfection is essential in preventing communicable
diseases from spreading. It became one of the main steps of protection during the pandemic. But
ever since the pandemic ended and the classes resumed, the problem is that many people often
bypass the alcohol dispenser to disinfect their hands for various reasons. It was for this purpose
that the proponents made an experiment to encourage them to use it by appealing to their sense
of humor.
Introducing a factor that appeals to it brings up positive emotions within people and are
encouraged to do different activities on a positive note, on account of being entertained. This
concept is an important factor fueling the experiment that will be conducted.
The proponents only require 3 components namely: Isopropyl Alcohol, a printed medium
and a stand where the alcohol will reside. The requirements are relatively simple to do this, it is
just that the proponents are introducing a factor to make it more effective.
To do that, the proponents chose a medium that can reach many people as soon as it was
released onto the public. For this, they have chosen to use memes as it can be a video, picture,
or a gif. In this case, it was a picture that is typically humorous in nature that is copied and used
with different contexts within internet. It is also spread online fast so many people can relate to it,
it is one of the reasons that all of the participants are entertained.
Figure 1. (from left to right) Memes 1 (Religion), 2 (Anime), 3 (99 Day Fiancé) and 4
(Comic)
Polytechnic University of The Philippines
College Of Architecture, Design, And the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Sta. Mesa, Manila
Four memes were created to be used for the experiment. The memes are all sending the
same message that the people must use alcohol but is expressed through different contexts or
situations. The proponents were able to choose according to the meme’s Relatability, Visual
Appeal and Clarity.
CRITERIA FOR MEME SELECTION
Relatability – The meme should be relatable to people’s experiences, beliefs, or situations,
making it more recognizable even if the person does not know the situation the meme is
replicating.
4 – The meme is relatable to all people in terms of their experiences, beliefs, and situations
3 – The meme is relatable to almost all people in terms of their experiences, beliefs, and
situations
2 – The meme is relatable to select people in terms of their experiences, beliefs and situations
1 – The meme is not relatable people in terms of their experiences, beliefs, and situations
Visual Appeal – The meme should have an appealing design or imagery can encourage
interaction or pick curiosity by using good graphics or recognizable symbols.
4 – The meme is visually appealing and recognizable to all people
3 – The meme is visually appealing and recognizable to almost all people
2 – The meme is visually appealing and recognizable to select people
1 – The meme is not visually appealing and unrecognizable to people
Clarity – The meme should be easily understandable at the first glance. It conveys the
message through concise wording.
4 – The meme is understood by people and it’s concise
3 – The meme is understood by people but it’s less concise
2 – The meme is understood by people but it’s verbose
1 – The meme is understood by people but it’s more verbose
Relevance – The meme should be relevant to current events or trends.
4 – The meme has a significant relevance to the current events or trends
3 – The meme has a moderate relevance to the current events or trends
2 – The meme has a fair relevance to the current events or trends
1 – The meme is irrelevant to the current events or trends
Polytechnic University of The Philippines
College Of Architecture, Design, And the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Sta. Mesa, Manila
MEME 1 MEME 2 MEME 3 MEME 4
CRITERIA WEIGHT
Rating Points Rating Points Rating Points Rating Points
Relatability 25% 4 1 3 0.75 3 0.75 4 1
Visual
25% 4 1 3 0.75 3 0.75 4 1
Appeal
Clarity 25% 4 1 2 0.5 4 1 3 0.75
Relevance 25% 4 1 2 0.5 2 0.5 3 0.75
TOTAL 100% 4 2.5 3 3.5
Based on the table, Meme 1 is the chosen meme to be used for the experiment due to the
fact that all people can relate to it, it is recognizable, it is concise as well as relevant to current
events.
The next step is to conduct the experiment in an area where many participants will go.
The PUP lagoon is the ideal area for this as the place has students almost all the time during the
day. Placing the setup within its main entrance will make the students more likely to notice it.
From the experiment, the students showed appreciation for the setup as they were taking
photos of it right after using the alcohol and because of the commotion, other participants were
also encouraged to use it. The experiment was conducted during lunch time in which the student
population within the lagoon is at its peak with many students entering it.
Figure 2. Location of the Experiment Figure 3. The alcohol level after the
experiment
=
Polytechnic University of The Philippines
College Of Architecture, Design, And the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Sta. Mesa, Manila
Most of the participants were students from various courses passing through to buy food
or eat their lunch. Most of them are in groups so when one group notices the setup, it creates a
domino effect that also attracts other people into using the alcohol and be entertained at the same
time. This created a positive atmosphere that encourages them as well as others to participate in
alcohol disinfection.
Figure 4. The Domino Effect from one group to another
The experiment has provided the proponents with valuable insights regarding the role of
humor in endorsing or promoting the practice of alcohol disinfection in public areas. The
experiment or manipulation was a success as the proponents were able to reach 50 participants
in less than an hour and the findings inferred that memes serve as effective tools for delivering
awareness. Due to its nature to be humorous and its influence on the public through social media,
it not only encourages them to practice alcohol disinfections but may also be used as a platform
for spreading health information.
In considering this approach, pitfalls must also be carefully avoided such as the
trivialization of the message or issue to avoid consequences. Balancing the humor and
seriousness is the key factor in maximizing this approach to preserve the importance of the
message being delivered while at the same time, bringing entertainment to its users or
participants.
Polytechnic University of The Philippines
College Of Architecture, Design, And the Built Environment
Department of Architecture
Sta. Mesa, Manila
PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
The chosen location for the The positioning of the setup also
experiment is at the entrance of the created an effect wherein the students
Lagoon. thought that sanitizing before entering the
lagoon is mandatory.
The meme created a positive Most of the passersby were in
effect on the students that some even took groups which also created a domino effect
a picture / selfie with the setup and meme. to others when they found it entertaining.
