Content That People Will Share: Philosophical Tips

In the realm of content creation, there exists a fundamental question that has puzzled writers, artists, and thinkers for centuries: what makes certain ideas, stories, or images so compelling that they spread like wildfire, igniting the imaginations of people across the globe?

From Plato's dialogues to Nietzsche's aphorisms, philosophers have long grappled with the nature of human communication and the secrets of persuasive discourse. In this post, we will explore one of the most crucial insights that philosophy can offer us in our quest to create shareable content.

Drawing on the wisdom of the ancient Greeks, we will reveal a top tip that can help you craft content that people will not only read but eagerly share with their friends, family, and followers.

If you're ready to unlock the secrets of persuasive storytelling and take your content creation to the next level, read on!

The Power of Emotion

At the heart of all persuasive communication lies a fundamental truth: people don't share content that they merely find interesting or informative; they share content that evokes powerful emotions. Whether it's joy, awe, anger, sadness, or fear, emotions are the fuel that drives the viral spread of content on social media, blogs, and other platforms.

This insight is not new; the ancient Greeks were well aware of the power of emotions to sway audiences and move hearts.

In his famous treatise, The Art of Rhetoric, Aristotle identifies three modes of persuasion: logos (appealing to reason), ethos (establishing credibility), and pathos (evoking emotions).

According to Aristotle, pathos is the most potent of these modes, as it taps into the deepest desires, fears, and hopes of the audience, creating a bond of empathy between the speaker and the listener. The same principle holds true in the world of content creation: if you want your content to go viral, you need to evoke powerful emotions that resonate with your audience's values, beliefs, and aspirations.

But how can you create content that evokes emotions? The key is to understand your audience's psychology and tailor your message to their needs and desires. 

8 Tips To Evoke Emotions So Your Content Will Be Shared

Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Use vivid imagery and sensory language: Humans are wired to respond to sensory stimuli, so use vivid descriptions and images that evoke the five senses. For example, if you're writing about the beauty of nature, don't just describe it; paint a picture with words that transports your reader to a verdant forest or a sun-kissed beach.
2. Appeal to core emotions: There are a few core emotions that are universally shared by humans, such as love, fear, anger, joy, and sadness. Tap into these emotions by crafting stories, images, or videos that speak to their universal appeal. For example, a heartwarming story about a rescued animal can evoke feelings of empathy and compassion, while a powerful image of a natural disaster can spark feelings of outrage and a desire for action.
3. Use humor and wit: Laughter is a powerful emotion that can create a sense of community and camaraderie among your audience. Use humor and wit to inject your content with a lighthearted tone that can make your readers smile and share your content with their friends.
4. Create a Sense of Urgency: Emotions such as fear and anxiety can be powerful motivators for action. Create a sense of urgency in your content by highlighting a problem or challenge that your audience cares about, and offer a solution or call to action that can inspire them to act.
5. Appeal to Identity: Humans have a deep need for belonging and identity, so create content that speaks to your audience's sense of self and values. For example, if you're writing about fitness, appeal to your readers' sense of self-discipline and personal growth, and position your content as a way to become the best version of themselves.
6. Use Storytelling: Humans are wired to respond to stories, so use storytelling techniques to craft narratives that are compelling, relatable, and emotionally resonant. Use characters, conflict, and resolution to create a sense of tension and release that can engage your audience and leave them wanting more.
7. Be Authentic and Transparent: Authenticity and transparency are essential to building trust and credibility with your audience. Don't be afraid to share personal anecdotes, insights, or struggles that can humanize your brand and create a sense of intimacy with your readers.
8. Focus on the Benefits: People share content that offers value, whether it's entertainment, education, inspiration, or practical advice. Focus on the benefits of your content and highlight how it can help your readers solve a problem, achieve a goal, or improve their lives in some way.

By incorporating these tips into your content creation process, you can create content that resonates with your audience's emotions and inspires them to share it with their friends and followers.

But it's important to remember that emotions are a double-edged sword; while they can be powerful motivators for engagement and virality, they can also backfire if you're not careful.

The Risks of Emotional Manipulation

As we've seen, emotions are essential to creating shareable content, but they can also be a tool for manipulation and exploitation.

In recent years, there has been growing concern about the role of emotional manipulation in digital media, particularly in the form of clickbait, fake news, and algorithmic bias.

Clickbait, for example, uses sensationalist headlines and images to lure readers into clicking on a link, often leading to low-quality content or outright scams.

Fake news, on the other hand, uses emotional appeals to spread false or misleading information, often with the intent of influencing public opinion or driving traffic to a particular website.

Algorithmic bias, meanwhile, refers to the ways in which social media algorithms can reinforce existing biases and filter bubbles, creating echo chambers that amplify emotional responses and limit exposure to diverse viewpoints. This can lead to a polarization of public discourse and a breakdown of trust in democratic institutions.

As content creators, it's important to be mindful of the risks of emotional manipulation and to strive for ethical and responsible communication. This means being transparent about your intentions, avoiding deceptive practices, and promoting diversity and inclusion in your content.

Conclusion

In the end, the key to creating shareable content lies in understanding the power of emotions to connect, inspire, and motivate people. By tapping into your audience's psychology and crafting stories, images, and videos that evoke powerful emotions, you can create content that resonates with your readers and inspires them to share it with their friends and followers.

But this power comes with a responsibility to use emotions ethically and responsibly, and to avoid the pitfalls of emotional manipulation and exploitation. 

By following the tips and principles outlined in this post, you can create content that not only goes viral but also promotes positive values and contributes to a healthier, more inclusive digital ecosystem.