Virality in news stories can range from newsworthy and interesting to fun and funny. However, it can also be an excuse to discuss topics that are not relevant. A study conducted in 2024 found that local news and radio stations often pick up internet stories that went viral on platforms like Instagram or Twitter, without any standardization in determining what qualifies as viral.
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.
Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast
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