Podcast Summary
Internet Virality: Going viral on the internet can have positive or negative outcomes depending on the reason. Focus on creating valuable content to increase chances of positive outcomes.
Going viral on the internet can have different meanings and consequences for individuals. Some go viral due to their actions or creations, while others go viral due to their identity or persona. The distinction between these two categories is important to understand, as the reasons for going viral can greatly impact the outcome. For instance, going viral due to one's identity can lead to negative attention and backlash, while going viral due to one's actions or creations can bring positive opportunities and recognition. It's essential to recognize that the internet can amplify both positive and negative aspects of an individual's presence, making it crucial to consider the potential outcomes before seeking virality. Ultimately, the key is to focus on creating valuable and authentic content, rather than seeking virality for its own sake.
Going viral vs. Character: Going viral doesn't grant permission to degrade or dismantle someone's character. Be critical of actions, not individuals. Consider the source of information and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Going viral for who you are as opposed to what you do can lead to dehumanization and negative treatment from the public. This was highlighted in the discussion with the example of Lizzo, who despite her talent and success, faces constant criticism and negativity. However, it's important to remember that visibility does not equate to permission to degrade or dismantle someone's character. It's crucial to be critical of actions and behaviors, rather than attacking individuals based on speculation or hearsay. Additionally, it's essential to consider the source of information and ensure that any knowledge we have is based on factual and reliable sources. Ultimately, we must strive to treat individuals, regardless of their public status, with respect and dignity.
Internet Virality and Responsibility: When consuming information on the internet, it's crucial to consider its source and legitimacy, and use virality responsibly to foster understanding and awareness.
The concept of virality on the internet encompasses a wide range of content, from trivial to serious, and it's essential to discern the source and legitimacy of the information we consume. The speaker emphasizes that when people like Motaz Azizah, Bissan, Plastia, Mansour, and Prinskouta, among others, share their experiences of living under oppressive regimes, it exposes us to realities we may not have been aware of. However, it's crucial to remember that the internet is real, and we must contend with it in a responsible way. The speaker encourages us to ask ourselves where our information comes from and how we would behave if the same situation were happening in person. Ultimately, virality can be a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering understanding, but it's up to us to use it responsibly.
Viral age in entertainment industry: The viral age in entertainment industry offers opportunities but also challenges, requiring creators to protect their authenticity and set boundaries to avoid exploitation.
The rise of virality in the entertainment industry has changed the game, leading to both opportunities and challenges. Before virality, things went viral through tabloid media and the news cycle. However, the industry was never a meritocracy, and the addition of virality made it even harder for actual talent to shine. When something goes viral, there's a risk of the industry trying to capitalize on it, often in a way that strips the organicness of the moment. Reza Farahan, for example, went viral with her raw and authentic reaction, but the industry may try to recreate or exploit that moment for profit. To deal with this, creators must find ways to set boundaries and protect their authenticity. When the audience is negative, it's important to establish boundaries and limit the access given. Overall, the viral age presents opportunities for those who can navigate it responsibly and authentically.
Managing public figure image: Protect personal boundaries while embracing new communities and being mindful of cultural practices for meaningful connections and expanded audience.
Managing access and engagement with a growing audience requires thoughtfulness and consideration. On one hand, it's important to protect personal boundaries and limit exposure to negative or harmful individuals. On the other hand, embracing new communities and being mindful of their cultural practices and sensitivities can lead to meaningful connections and expansion of one's audience. Being a public figure comes with added responsibility, and it's crucial to acknowledge and address the impact of one's actions and words on diverse groups of people. The moment of realization that one has become a celebrity can be marked by the first instance of being held accountable for one's actions as a public figure, rather than just as an individual. Ultimately, the label of celebrity is just that – a label – and the true value lies in the relationships and bridges built between individuals and communities.
Celebrity activism: Celebrities can use their platform for positive change by engaging in humanitarian and educational spaces and sharing perspectives on social issues. Unexpected opportunities can lead to impactful results.
Amanda Seales uses her platform as a celebrity to make a positive impact by engaging in uplifting humanitarian and educational spaces, and by sharing her perspectives on important social issues. She became viral in 2015 when she went on CNN to discuss catcalling and ended up having a heated debate. The viral interview led to the creation of her "Side-eye Seminar" on identifying and defying everyday forms of sexism, which she took to colleges and offices across the country. Seales emphasizes the importance of celebrities using their influence for good and making the most of unexpected opportunities. She also highlights the trippy aspect of how some people become celebrities despite not being celebrated.
Going Viral: Going viral can lead to increased recognition, authenticity validation, and a platform to speak truth, but outcomes may vary based on context and misrepresentation
Going viral can have a profoundly positive impact on one's life. The speaker's experience of going viral after challenging Caitlyn Jenner on her views towards government involvement in people's bodies led to a significant increase in followers and recognition in the industry. This experience not only validated her authenticity but also gave her a platform to speak her truth, earning her respect and appreciation from her peers and idols. The incident was unique as it brought no negativity and instead, amplified her voice. However, it's important to note that not all instances of going viral may have such positive outcomes, and the speaker has faced backlash in other instances when her words were twisted and misrepresented.
Going Viral: Going viral on social media can lead to harmful consequences, including false accusations, death threats, and negative energy. It's important to be aware of the potential harm and strive for responsible behavior online.
Going viral on social media can have dangerous and harmful consequences. Amanda Seales shared her experiences of being falsely accused and having her reputation tarnished due to viral misinformation. She received death threats and felt the negative energy from a large number of people, which she described as feeling like being poked with a voodoo doll. This can be engineered by people with no regard for others' wellbeing, seeking to gain attention or clicks. The viral nature of social media can also bring out the worst in people, leading to harmful and unnecessary hate. It's important to be aware of the potential harm and to strive for responsible behavior online. Another time Amanda went viral was when a blog posted a suggestive picture of her, leading to unnecessary controversy. It's important to remember that viral content doesn't always accurately represent reality and can cause unnecessary harm.
Impact of Virality on Individuals: Going viral on social media can have negative effects, including offensive comments, deep scars, and even suicidal thoughts. Individuals are real people with feelings, and harmful words can be dangerous and harmful.
Going viral on social media can have both positive and negative effects, but the negative comments and harsh criticism can significantly impact individuals, especially those who are sensitive to harmful words. The speaker shared her personal experiences of facing offensive and sexualizing comments, which left deep scars and even led to suicidal thoughts. She emphasized that people going viral are real individuals with feelings, and such attacks can be dangerous and harmful. The speaker also reflected on the surreal experience of virality and the powerlessness one feels when their likeness is taken from them and shared across the world. She concluded by questioning whether the quest for virality is worth the potential harm and negative consequences.
Viral content authenticity: Approach viral content with discernment, focusing on positivity or staying silent when necessary. Be aware of the potential impact on ourselves and consider the authenticity of the content.
The internet, despite its perceived unreality, is a real space where information and ideas can spread rapidly, often in the form of viral content. However, this process can be influenced by bots and malicious actors, making it difficult to discern authenticity. Therefore, it's essential to approach viral content with discernment, focusing on positivity or staying silent when necessary. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the impact of viral content on ourselves as individuals, as it can potentially consume our attention and energy without providing any benefit. In essence, the viral phenomenon is akin to a virus, spreading rapidly and taking from the host without giving back. Thus, it's vital to maintain a healthy perspective and be mindful of the content we engage with in this digital world.