# WallStreetBets: Positions or Ban

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2101.12110 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2101.12110/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 28 Jan 2021.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [AIMM: An AI-Driven Multimodal Framework for Detecting Social-Media-Influenced Stock Market Manipulation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2512.16103/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

r/wallstreetbets (WallStreetBets or WSB) is a subreddit devoted to irreverent memes and high-risk options trading. As of March 30, 2020, the subreddit boasts a usership of nearly 1.1 millions subscribers and self-describes as "if 4chan found a Bloomberg terminal." This paper will utilize Amy Jo Kim's community design principles along with social psychology theory as frameworks to understand how this chaotic, oftentimes offensive community has developed one of the largest and most loyal user bases on the platform. We will further argue that humor plays a vital role in promoting in-group cohesion and in providing an unconventional third place for traders (and thinly veiled gamblers) to seek support from each other in the form of vulgar, yet good-humored taunting.