Today, Explained The last good day on the internet
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Jun 7, 2024 
Brian Resnick, a science journalist at National Geographic known for his insights on human perception, teams up with Charlie Warzel, a technology and AI writer at The Atlantic. They dive into the enduring legacy of the viral 'Dress' debate, exploring its impact on online culture and discourse. They discuss how virality has evolved, particularly with platforms like TikTok shaping our interactions. The conversation touches on the fragmentation of internet culture and what it means for collective experiences in our digital age.
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The Dress Debate
- The "dress" photo went viral in 2015, sparking debate over its colors (blue/black or white/gold).
- BuzzFeed's simple article about the dress drew record traffic, highlighting the power of online virality.
Why People Saw Different Colors
- People saw the dress differently due to how brains perceive ambiguous stimuli and the quality of light.
- Our brains don't analyze light wavelengths but make guesses based on surroundings, leading to variations.
The Last Best Day on the Internet?
- The dress virality marked a turning point; such internet moments are now less likely.
- Algorithmic feeds and social media's toxic nature hinder widespread shared experiences.