In the digital age, the phenomenon of viral videos has become a defining feature of online communication and culture. A viral video is typically a short clip that gains rapid popularity through internet sharing, especially via social med...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
Et drøftende essay om hvorfor videoer går viralt, samfunnspåvirkningen og de etiske dilemmaene — med eksempler som George Floyd, Ice Bucket Challenge og Old Spice. Modell for et «discursive essay» på engelsk.
In the digital age, the phenomenon of viral videos has become a defining feature of online communication and culture. A viral video is typically a short clip that gains rapid popularity through internet sharing, especially via social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The power of these videos lies not only in their ability to entertain but also in their capacity to inform, mobilize, and influence behavior and public opinion. This essay explores the mechanisms behind the virality of videos, the societal impact of viral content, and the ethical considerations associated with their widespread reach.
What Makes a Video Go Viral
To begin with, the virality of a video depends on several interrelated factors, including emotional appeal, relatability, novelty, and timing. According to marketing and communication studies, videos that evoke strong emotions—whether humor, awe, empathy, or outrage—are more likely to be shared (Berger & Milkman, 2012). These emotional triggers create a personal connection between the viewer and the content, prompting them to pass it on to others. Relatability also plays a crucial role; when viewers see aspects of their daily lives or personal struggles reflected in a video, they are more inclined to share it as a form of self-expression or solidarity. …