Study uses Rappler to show link between emotions, virality

Is there a relationship between virality and the emotions a story elicits? Two researchers, Marco Guerini at Trento Rise in Italy and Jacopo Staiano at Sorbonne Université in Paris found that it exists. After studying news websites Rappler and Corriere.it, they said a clear link exists between virality and specific parameters for valence (how positive or negative an emotion is), arousal (the level at which an emotion is felt – anger or sadness), and dominance or control. They also found that stories received more comments when associated with anger or happiness (high arousal), or fear and sadness (less in control), while stories got more votes when associated with inspiration or emotions where people felt more control.

Read the full story on Rappler.