NatGeo's Brian Resnick and The Atlantic's Charlie Warzel discuss the viral sensation of 'The Dress' and how it shaped online perception. They explore the evolution of virality on social media and the changing landscape of internet culture. The podcast also touches on the dynamics of news dissemination and the impact of social media on news trends.
The blue and black or white and gold dress controversy showcased how individuals perceive visual information differently based on lighting assumptions.
The dress debate highlighted the evolving internet culture towards smaller, more specialized online communities, signaling a shift from centralized viral events.
Deep dives
The Viral Dress Debate
The viral debate surrounding the blue and black or white and gold dress drove millions of people to question their perception of colors. A Buzzfeed staffer posted a picture of the dress that sparked a massive online discussion. Social media platforms amplified the controversy, leading to record-breaking page views for Buzzfeed. The incident highlighted how people can perceive the same thing differently and sparked discussions on human perception.
Scientific Explanation of Color Perception
The incident of the dress provided insights into how our brains interpret visual information. Different lighting assumptions can lead to varying color perceptions, with morning people more likely to see white and gold, and night owls more inclined to see black and blue. Studies delved into individual traits like chronotype to predict color perceptions, showcasing the complexities of human vision.
Changing Internet Dynamics
The dress debate symbolized a unique internet moment that may not be replicated today due to shifting viral dynamics. Online communities have become more fragmented, resembling earlier internet eras with focused groups and walled communities. The shift from centralized viral events to diverse online interactions reflects the evolving internet culture towards smaller, more specialized online communities.
Remember when the only thing anybody could talk about was white and gold versus blue and black? NatGeo’s Brian Resnick does. And the Atlantic’s Charlie Warzel explains why there might never be another The Dress.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.