This animated explainer from LifeHacker reveals the psychological reasons why we internet people share online videos. If you’re into learning why people do what they do, then this is the video for you. If you don’t care about your brain rotting to the point of worm infestation, others might and that’s called ‘revulsion’, so HA! you just learned something anyway, dunce. Be gone.
Let’s recap:
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Funny videos bring you joy and “schadenfreude” isn’t referring to a shady psychology professor; it means “harm-joy”.
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But, when the harm caused to another doesn’t elicit joy, and is unjust or unfair victimization, that causes outrage and anger. “Can you believe this happened? I’m glad it’s not me. Something needs to be done” to restore imbalance. You can see how there could be some blurred lines (you know you want it) between “funny” and “outrageous”.
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Cute videos trigger our primal instinct to care for or protect younguns, making us feel self-worth, and naturally causing happiness.
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Gross out videos cause revulsion, disgust, and loathing, which can make you say, “I’m glad that’s not me” or can make you feel challenged, yet safe. We feel safe because we’re separated by a screen instead of being confronted with it in person, which is exponentially worse.
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Pretty much the same goes for scary videos that tap into our fear, an intense emotion that threatens us in a non-lethal way unless you have a heart condition.
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Sexy videos cause arousal, a positive sensation that reminds us of procreation, which is awesome until the fruits of your labor won’t STFU.
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Didactic videos are seen as a valuable use of time and rewarding, which causes a “happy ending” in your melon. Dopamine is dope.
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Spectacle or “wow” videos bring a sense of awe or wonder. “You don’t see this every day”, except you do, because internet.
Now’s your chance to achieve, broheem. Your brain is fiending for some action.
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