Sixteenth Minute (of Fame) the dress
May 21, 2024
Authors Taylor Lorenz and Max Fisher discuss 'the dress' viral phenomenon of 2015, reflecting on its impact on social media and internet culture. They explore the evolution of online journalism and the rise of clickbait, highlighting Buzzfeed's role in driving viral content. The podcast delves into the neuroscientific aspects of color perception and the dark side of the internet, addressing current issues like knife threats and net neutrality.
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The Dress Photo
- The dress was a viral photo of a dress that sparked debate over its true colors, blue/black or white/gold.
- The photo's poor quality and individual light perception differences caused the varied interpretations.
BDC Wire and "The Dress"
- Kevin Slane and Jamie Loftus recall the day of "The Dress" at BDC Wire, a BuzzFeed-style offshoot of the Boston Globe.
- They rewrote viral content, and "The Dress" prompted multiple articles and internal debate.
BuzzFeed Amplification
- The dress's virality was amplified by BuzzFeed, capitalizing on existing online discussions.
- This highlighted BuzzFeed's role as an aggregator and amplifier of trending content.