I'm talking about that "social media" phenomena -- not the "catching a cold" mechanism.
"Going Viral" ... you know, the catching on of a Idea, whose time has come.
You know how nay-sayers like to say, "That Idea is not ready for 'Prime Time'!"
Well Viral Ideas are.
Unlike this rather stodgy definition for Viral:
Adjective
2. pertaining to or involving the spreading of information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially on the Internet or in emails:
a clever viral ad.
See viral marketing.
Idioms
5. go viral, to spread rapidly via the Internet, email, or other media:
Footage of the candidate's off-color remarks went viral within minutes.
Here are a few of the ideas, concepts, rallying cries -- that have "Gone Viral" in recent years:
There are many other Viral Ideas that have caught hold "in the public's imagination," besides these. Perhaps they could be rated on their degree of "contagion" (ie. common knowledge, or occurrence in everyday vernacular, among the general population.)
Though that would be an interesting project, my concern today is to see if we can brainstorm a bit, and see:
What are the Top 5 Traits -- that can take a run-of-the-mill Idea, kick it up a gear or two -- and make it Go Viral?
Here's my take on the Top 5 Traits -- that can take a run-of-the-mill Idea, and make it Go Viral:
1) It's honest.
2) It triggers an emotional response.
3) It puts into words, something that most people were already thinking.
4) It's funny, ironic, or infuriating.
5) It's short, and easy to repeat and to explain.
Granted those aren't the only things Viral Ideas have in common.
I'm looking forward to hearing your "Top Traits" -- that makes something Go Viral -- for you.
If we can get this thing 'wired', we might be able to "Make even more Change happen," than we already have.
Such is power of Viral Ideas, ... set loose in today's evermore connected world.