BuzzFeed founder Jonah Peretti
“listed some of the reasons behind sharing:
People share heart warming stories, such as a picture of a card written by a child to his adoptive father;
People share to affirm messages about identity, the reason why many left-handed people chose to share a list of the worst things for left-handed people;
People share content that captures the moment, that “publishes into the Zeitgeist”;
“Animals are not about animals, animals are about being human,” Peretti said, explaining why people share cute dog pictures’
People share very human stories;
People like nostalgia;
People share stories on human rights – “as they make you look good”.”
via 6 lessons from BuzzFeed as it launches in the UK | Media news | Journalism.co.uk.
In addition:
Jonah Berger says:
- Social currency:, It’s all about people talking about things to make themselves look good, rather than bad
- Triggers, which is all about the idea of “top of mind, tip of tongue.” We talk about things that are on the top of our heads.
- Ease for emotion: When we care, we share. The more we care about a piece of information or the more we’re feeling physiologically aroused, the more likely we pass something on.
- Public: When we can see other people doing something, we’re more likely to imitate it.
- Practical value: Basically, it’s the idea of news you can use. We share information to help others, to make them better off.
- Stories, or how we share things that are often wrapped up in stories or narratives.
via: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=3206
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