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life lessons: the viral thoughts that shape us

"life lessons" are the thoughts that stick with us, shaping our beliefs and guiding our actions. but why do some thoughts go viral while others fade away? let's explore the science behind what makes online content viral and how it affects our thinking inventory.

imagine your brain as a bustling city, with thoughts competing for space like cars on a busy highway. some thoughts are like cat photos, fleeting and entertaining. others are like educational videos, providing valuable insights that stick with us. but what makes a thought go viral and become a permanent resident in our thinking inventory?

according to jonah a. berger and katherine l. milkman's research, there are six key factors that make online content go viral:

  1. emotion: content that evokes strong emotions, such as awe, anger, or amusement, is more likely to be shared.
  2. social currency: people are more likely to share content that makes them look good or provides valuable information to their social network.
  3. triggers: content that is timely or relevant to current events is more likely to be shared.
  4. public: content that is visible to others, such as a public display of affection or a viral dance challenge, is more likely to be shared.
  5. practical value: content that provides practical value, such as a life hack or a diy project, is more likely to be shared.
  6. stories: content that tells a compelling story, such as a personal anecdote or a viral video, is more likely to be shared.

so, how can we apply these factors to our own life lessons? here are some tips:

  1. embrace emotion: share your life lessons with emotion, whether it's the joy of a new discovery or the frustration of a failed attempt. emotion makes your lessons more memorable and shareable.
  2. provide value: share life lessons that provide practical value, such as a new skill or a valuable insight. this will make your lessons more likely to be shared and remembered.
  3. tell a story: share your life lessons through a story, whether it's a personal anecdote or a fictional tale. stories make your lessons more engaging and relatable.

remember, your thinking inventory is limited. choose your life lessons wisely and share them with others. who knows, your life lessons may just go viral and shape the thinking inventory of others.

"what makes online content viral?" by jonah a. berger & katherine l. milkman: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1528077

special thank you to my bonnie bees for supporting me on patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cgpgrey

music by broke for free: http://brokeforfree.com/"

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