Why do dumb videos have a knack of being popular online?
I think the situation has several aspects: First, it seems like the majority of people like to laugh more than they like to think. Thinking takes effort and is often a painful experience, particularly if you’re invited or challenged to think about things that challenge your comfortable, established worldview. A lot of people just don’t find that kind of thought as enjoyable as watching someone get hit in the nuts. Also, it’s less socially risky, I think, to like that kind of thing. Thought-provoking content tends to be to some extent controversial, and not always in an easy “LOLXTIANS” sort of way, so posting it/discussing it can be percieved opening one’s self up to criticism/ridicule. My suspicion is that a lot of online viral viewers want to have a quick laugh, not expand their minds. Maybe I’m being too elitist too, but that’s kind of the feeling I get. Second, a lot of people don’t make the time for longer films/videos. I love film, but I have a hard time fitting time to sit down
As someone who’s behind some of these “dumb” videos, I should probably chime in (I stand behind [most of] my group’s work, which you can find here). it seems like the majority of people like to laugh more than they like to think. Thinking takes effort and is often a painful experience, particularly if you’re invited or challenged to think about things that challenge your comfortable, established worldview. Yeah, I personally think this view could be construed as a bit elitist. Just don’t confuse intelligence with taste, or confuse either with good character. That is the path of the pretentious. I’m not judging you, Alterscape, I don’t know you. All I can give you is a counterexample in my friends and I. We have high IQs, are well read, can talk about politics intelligently, and challenge each other’s worldview. But we also love to laugh, and to make others laugh. If you enjoy documentaries that ruthlessly point out all of the hypocrisies
