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What makes certain funny images go viral while others are quickly forgotten?

Elinor Passby

As a user of social media, I think the main reason certain funny images go viral while others are quickly forgotten is because of the relatability factor. The images that people can relate to evoke emotion, and emotion is what drives engagement on social media.

For example, an image of a cat doing something strange or funny is relatable to most people because cats are common household pets. The image will resonate with cat owners who have experienced similar behaviors from their own cats, and they will be inclined to share it with their friends who will also relate to it. In contrast, an image of a rare animal doing something funny may not have the same relatable factor, and therefore, may not receive as much engagement.

Another factor that contributes to the virality of funny images is relevance. Images that are relevant to current events or trends tend to spread faster because they are at the forefront of people's minds. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, memes and funny images related to wearing masks or social distancing became viral because they were both relatable and relevant.

The timing of when the image is shared also plays a crucial role in its virality. Sharing an image at the right time can lead to greater engagement and sharing. Posting during peak hours when the majority of users are active on social media can increase its visibility and reach, giving it a better chance of going viral.

Lastly, I think the element of surprise contributes to some of the most viral funny images. Images that are unexpected or have an unexpected twist will catch people's attention and make them more likely to share it with their friends. When people feel they have discovered a unique piece of content, they are more inclined to share it with their community.

In conclusion, the virality of funny images depends on several factors such as relatability, relevance, timing, and the element of surprise. Images that incorporate all of these factors have a better chance of achieving viral status. As users of social media, we should be mindful of what we share, making sure that it provides value, evokes emotions, and makes people laugh.