The Outrage Algorithm
👉 This is part of A Sensitive World
The social media machine rewards increasingly emotional or polarising content, shaping social norms around self-expression and what we’re willing to share online.
Evidence A: Baring Souls on Social
Social media was designed to connect. And in a post-aesthetic era, we’re seeing people use social platforms to connect in the most authentic way they can. Whilst some efforts to burst the bubble of narcissism and perfection can struggle to move beyond the curated photo dump, being our authentic selves online can offer us a greater sense of wellbeing. Being human, this comes with a greater degree of emotion, chaos and sensitivity.
Evidence B: Screaming, Crying, Throwing Up
Leave Britney Alone became a viral sensation in its unfettered emotion. But would it have the same effect today? Today the emotional hyperbole of the internet has reached new heights. Not satisfied with OMG, Tiktokers are now more likely to be literally screaming ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜or even screaming, crying, throwing up in reaction to their favourite star.
