#https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQxd_m2Rhk

[sabrinasblogposts-blog]

How to become a viral social media phenomenon- an idiots guide to your 15 minutes of shame

 In the early days of the internet, when video-sharing was limited to posting a link on a MySpace or MSN profile, the notion of "virality" was somewhat alien. In fact, in 2006, you would be forgiven for associating the term "viral"- used to describe an internet phenomenon (such as an image, gif or video) circulating rapidly online- for a contagious infection instead. Funnily enough, this comparison to a sickening disease still would be pretty accurate judging by today's standards of viral content.

When the idea of content sharing was a relatively recent one, seemingly it was only the newest of videos that provided the most original, quirky content that would generate the most traction. However, it now seems that quirkiness has been replaced with cringe and originality has disappeared altogether.

The likes of online personalities such as RiceGum, Danielle Bregoli, Jake Paul and nine-year-old 'Lil Tay' are perfect displays of how juvenile acts of stupidity make for the perfect brain-food for content-hungry consumers of popular media. In fact, in today's society it seems as though this level of fame can be attained by just about anyone with a phone camera and a lack of shame, broadening a once-niche 'clique' of celebrities into a market that all may join, regardless of talent- or lack thereof. However, due to the continuous rate at which we consume, viral media can lose its popularity in a matter of weeks, with many Internet personalities fading into the depths of our memories once their fifteen minutes of fame are up.

 A recent example of so-called “lower class” aggressive, delinquent, behaviour becoming viral content can be found in a youtube video infamously known as “why you coming fast”. The video, recorded in Great Britain, depicts a Turkish man known only as Ferdi, entering into a tirade of insults and expletives after being hit on the head by a cyclist. His short temper sparked laughter across the nation, with many ridiculing and repeating his iconic utterances. Seemingly overnight Ferdi blew up, with his Instagram account @ferdicomingfast amassing 386,000 followers over 2 days and several clubs (Such as Q Club in Reading) even paying him to make a guest appearance. The original video now has over 4 million views on youtube and has even had several remixes posted on the platform.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQxd_m2Rhk

Yet, why is content like this so widely shared?                                                  The answer is a simple one. It elicits the shock factor within us. This reaction makes us want to share and reblog this content with those close to us in order to garner a similar response from the recipient of the message, providing the basis for a new conversation topic. The publisher of Buzzfeed, Dao Nguyen's TED talk on the formulae to online popularity delved deeper on this, suggesting that a "WTF" & "This is me" culture has taken the forefront in media sharing. In essence, only the most relatable or shocking content will be shared. We all crave being a part of the “shared anticipation of something about to happen”. It connects and unifies us as a community.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kab-mpU-YVM&t=272s

Virality is seemingly the easy back door into fame, and, as such, there are only a few simple rules to follow in order to reach online infamy. After scoping out what is usually trending on youtube and FaceBook, it looks as though the algorithms for these sites usually favour the “cute” content, featuring small children and animals, aimed at teenage girls. This includes food and cooking related videos, namely Buzzfeed Tasty. Twitter, Reddit and the Instagram ‘explore’ section, however, cater towards what is trending; otherwise known as the most popular content. This usually appears in a parodied form of the original piece of media through memes. 

In essence, you must stand out for all the wrong reasons. Recently, the story of Jussie Smollett made the news after the ‘Empire’ star falsely claimed he had been racially abused and assaulted by 2 men in the streets. Now, why did the initial claim of a racially aggravated attack become such widespread news? Well, just as ‘sex sells’, violence and bloodshed is equally nutritious fodder for readers. Only the most eye-opening and divisive content will stay viral for a long period of time. Think of Danielle Bregoli’s appearance on the Dr Phil show. Some believed her to be nothing more than a bratty teen whereas others idolised her supposed ‘hilarity’. Yet, despite dividing public opinion on such an immense scale, the memes of this aggressive teen skyrocketed her into ‘celebrity’ status because stupidity sells. It seems that all one truly needs in order to attain internet fame are good looks, a loud ‘personality’ and a severe brain cell deficiency. However, a word of warning to the future Logan Paul’s- everything is permanent on the internet.

#viralcontent #viralmedia #trending #trendingnow #popular #https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCQxd_m2Rhk #https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kab-mpU-YVM&t=272s