In our story #44, we look at the #math behind #memes!
Why do some memes and challenges go viral? Why do some trends disappear as soon they arrive?
Researchers from The University of Manchester and the data analysis company Spectra Analytics, have investigated internet trends and memes, and have come out with a math model that accurately demonstrates why some fads will take off and even predicts how long they will last.
#TheModel:
'Complex contagion' is the model that best describes the spread of behaviors driven by online sharing.
The model developed provides evidence to explain why such trends take off, and also can be used to predict the next online fad.
#Advantages:
This makes it extremely useful for people working in professions such as advertising and marketing, and it could also change the way public health and safety campaigns are disseminated to the general public.
If we can predict and control what messages go viral, that is a very powerful tool.
To test the model's predictive capabilities, the researchers applied it to one of 2014's biggest global social media trends, the Ice bucket Challenge. The model predicted the impact and duration of the Challenge with 95% accuracy.
Well, now you know math explains almost everything!
Sources:
<1> The maths behind memes—why numbers could help us predict an internet sensation by University of Manchester
<2> Thomas House compares 'Cat-bearding' and the Ice Bucket Challenge by the University of Manchester YouTube Channel.
#math #mathstories #story44 #memes #internet #trends #socialmedia #dataanalysis
Why do some memes and challenges go viral? Why do some trends disappear as soon they arrive?
Researchers from The University of Manchester and the data analysis company Spectra Analytics, have investigated internet trends and memes, and have come out with a math model that accurately demonstrates why some fads will take off and even predicts how long they will last.
#TheModel:
'Complex contagion' is the model that best describes the spread of behaviors driven by online sharing.
The model developed provides evidence to explain why such trends take off, and also can be used to predict the next online fad.
#Advantages:
This makes it extremely useful for people working in professions such as advertising and marketing, and it could also change the way public health and safety campaigns are disseminated to the general public.
If we can predict and control what messages go viral, that is a very powerful tool.
To test the model's predictive capabilities, the researchers applied it to one of 2014's biggest global social media trends, the Ice bucket Challenge. The model predicted the impact and duration of the Challenge with 95% accuracy.
Well, now you know math explains almost everything!
Sources:
<1> The maths behind memes—why numbers could help us predict an internet sensation by University of Manchester
<2> Thomas House compares 'Cat-bearding' and the Ice Bucket Challenge by the University of Manchester YouTube Channel.
#math #mathstories #story44 #memes #internet #trends #socialmedia #dataanalysis