BETA
Chapter 1
The psychology of instant sharing
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Answer
Chapter 2
Global highways of digital culture
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Chapter 3
The algorithmic fast lane
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Chapter 4
Real world impact of viral ideas
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YOUR GOAL
Master of How memes outrun the news
Ch 3 · The algorithmic fast lane
andy The Algorithmic Fast Lane
Before the news has verified the facts—(too slow!)—the meme is flying through the server racks!—(let's go!)
andy Platforms reward highly engaging memes with exponential reach to keep users scrolling.
andy Traditional news requires editors and fact-checkers, while memes bypass all professional filters.
Fun Fact
Viral speed: A 2018 MIT study showed that false rumors on Twitter spread to 1,500 people six times faster than true stories.
Glossary
algorithm (noun)
A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. ByteDance used these rules in 2018 to prioritize engaging content, spreading internet jokes faster than traditional journalism.
A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. ByteDance used these rules in 2018 to prioritize engaging content, spreading internet jokes faster than traditional journalism.
Quiz
Why is the cost of digital meme creation practically zero compared to producing professional news?
Quiz
What is a major reason why traditional news outlets take longer to publish information than meme creators?
Quiz
According to a 2018 MIT study in Science, how much faster does false news spread on Twitter than true news?