Terri Joe

 

My internet personality is Terri Joe, the online persona of a tiktoker with the username itspsyiconic, real name Kelon. Terri has built a distinct and engaging brand centered around chaotic yet hilarious live-stream interactions. Through TikTok and Instagram Live, Terri Joe presents herself as a deeply religious yet hypocritical Southern Christian woman, often harshly judging others while engaging in outrageous conversations. Her humor works off of quick and funny improvisation and the tension between her ultra-conservative views and the often absurd, unfiltered conversations she has with celebrities and internet personalities. She has some interactions where both parties are acting and others with people who have no idea she is a character. The mix of satire, character acting, and audience participation keeps viewers coming back, making her brand a unique blend of comedy, performance art, and social commentary.

I think Terri found mainstream success because of her Tiktok livestreams. They were clipped and posted independently to her account, where they went viral. Her ability to seamlessly improvise while maintaining character keeps the audience engaged, leading to countless clips being reposted and turned into memes. There are also compilations of her breaking character that are very popular as well. The contrast between Terri Joe’s self-righteous persona and the often wild, chaotic nature of her conversations creates a comedic tension that resonates with internet culture. 

Her content resonates with me because it is satire that is very well done. I didn't really stay on and watch the lives frequently because they tend to run long, but I did enjoy seeing highlights posted afterwards. No matter who she speaks to, whether it's a friend, influencer, stranger or celebrity, like Doja Cat and Madonna, she remains in character while adapting to each interaction in a way that keeps things entertaining. In the "attention economy" of the internet, Terri's ability to create funny and unique, unscripted moments make her stand out. Terri Joe’s streams create a sense of community among viewers, and the unpredictability of each conversation makes it impossible to look away.