Swept up in the Sensational

Source: Underthrow
by Max Borders

“An availability cascade is a self-reinforcing cycle in which a particular narrative or viewpoint gains prominence. This often happens during an intense national conversation, which increases the narrative’s visibility and makes the issue seem more urgent or widespread. As a result, people are more likely to share and amplify it. For instance, a shocking news story or a viral smartphone video can spark public discussions that spread rapidly. Such leads to more focus, stories, and discussions on the topic. The narrative gets magnified, distorted, and transmitted through social media. This process sometimes culminates in a call for legislation to address the issues. In some cases, digital mobs ruin the lives and careers of people who might have said something ten years ago that is at odds with the tenor of the national conversation.” (09/19/24)

https://underthrow.substack.com/p/swept-up-in-the-sensational