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http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/anthro/bec/papers/Heath_Emotional_Selection.pdf
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Emotional Selection in Memes: The Case of Urban Legends
- Thread starter Ivan Seeking
- Start date
She's just a dirty little girl, does the dogfood all night long."In summary, the conversation explores how memes, particularly urban legends, are successful based on both informational and emotional selection. The focus is on disgust as a form of emotional selection and how it can influence the spread of legends. Three studies were conducted, which showed that stories that elicited stronger disgust were more likely to be passed along and shared. This was also seen in the coding of legends for specific motifs that produce disgust, as those with more of these motifs were more widely distributed on urban legend websites. The implications of emotional selection for the social marketplace of ideas are also discussed.
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polyb
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Very interesting Ivan, thanx! 
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You're welcome.
Funny, isn't it? We are all little boys at heart - the disgusting part anyway.
Funny, isn't it? We are all little boys at heart - the disgusting part anyway.
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Dayle Record
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Mud Shark
Frank Zappa
Frank Zappa
1. What is emotional selection in memes?
Emotional selection in memes refers to the process by which certain memes, or ideas, are more likely to spread and become popular due to their emotional appeal. This can include urban legends, which often evoke fear, curiosity, or other strong emotions in people, making them more likely to be shared and remembered.
2. How do urban legends demonstrate emotional selection in memes?
Urban legends are a prime example of emotional selection in memes because they often contain elements that elicit strong emotions, such as fear, shock, or disbelief. This emotional appeal makes them more likely to be shared and remembered by individuals, leading to their widespread popularity.
3. What factors contribute to the emotional selection of urban legends?
There are several factors that can contribute to the emotional selection of urban legends. These can include the narrative structure of the legend, its relevance to cultural beliefs or fears, and the level of plausibility or credibility it holds. Additionally, the way the legend is presented and shared, such as through word of mouth or social media, can also impact its emotional selection.
4. Can emotional selection in memes be harmful?
While emotional selection in memes can lead to the widespread popularity of certain ideas, it can also have negative consequences. For example, urban legends that evoke fear or panic can lead to harmful actions, such as hoarding supplies during a supposed disaster. It's important for individuals to critically evaluate the emotional impact of memes before sharing them.
5. How can studying emotional selection in memes be beneficial?
Studying emotional selection in memes, such as urban legends, can provide insights into human behavior and the factors that contribute to the spread of ideas. This can be useful in fields such as marketing, psychology, and sociology. Additionally, understanding how emotional selection works can help individuals become more aware of the impact of memes on their beliefs and actions.
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