What’s behind Moo Deng and Pesto’s viral moment?

Summary

This episode of 'The Briefing' explores the viral fame of two adorable animals, a pygmy hippo named Moodang and a penguin chick named Pesto, who have captured millions of hearts online. Dr. Kyl Moore, an expert in mobile media culture, discusses the internet’s obsession with cute animals, how platforms like TikTok amplify their fame, and the implications of this viral attention on both the animals and human behavior. While viral animal content often brings joy, it can also lead to selfish human actions and highlight the complex dynamics of social media culture.

Takeaways

• 🐧 Viral animals like pygmy hippo Mudang and emperor penguin chick Pesto are gaining massive online attention and memes.
• 💻 The internet's fascination with cute animals, like Mudang and Pesto, is not new and has been around since the early days of online viral content.
• 🎹 Viral animal content in the past, such as Keyboard Cat and Grumpy Cat, follows the same pattern of gaining quick attention and becoming cultural icons.
• 📱 TikTok has significantly contributed to the viral spread of these animals through its algorithm, which promotes content that engages users, especially with music or edits.
• 🎵 Pairing cute animal visuals with catchy audio or music hooks is a major factor in their virality on TikTok.
• 😺 People are drawn to animals because they perceive them as authentic, unlike the heavily curated content humans often post.
• 💡 Animals are often seen as 'blank slates,' allowing people to project their own emotions, feelings, and personalities onto them.
• 🙁 However, the virality can lead to negative consequences, such as people harassing Mudang at the zoo by throwing objects when she isn’t active.
• 🐾 Viral animal moments can spark important conversations about animal welfare and conservation while simultaneously bringing joy and entertainment.
• 📚 Social media also has educational potential, allowing users to learn more about animals, which can foster interest in fields like marine biology.

Q & A

Who are the two animals that recently went viral on the internet?

The two animals are a pygmy hippo named Moodang and an emperor penguin chick named Pesto.

What does Moodang’s name roughly translate to?

Moodang's name roughly translates to 'bouncing pig' or 'pork patty.'

What are some examples of viral animals mentioned in the script?

Examples of viral animals include Keyboard Cat, Grumpy Cat, and now Moodang and Pesto.

How does TikTok contribute to making animals go viral?

TikTok’s algorithm pushes content with high engagement, often pairing cute animal videos with catchy music or visual hooks, which increases their visibility and virality.

Why do people love sending cute animals viral on the internet?

People enjoy seeing cute animals because they bring light, good news, and positive emotions, providing a break from the negative aspects of online content.

What is the concept of 'parasocial relationships' as it applies to viral animals?

Parasocial relationships occur when people project their emotions and feelings onto animals or celebrities they follow online, believing they share a personal bond, even though the animal hasn’t consented to being part of that dynamic.

What negative behaviors have arisen from Moodang’s viral fame?

Some people have thrown water and shells at Moodang when she’s asleep in the zoo, showing frustration when the animal doesn’t meet their expectations.

What potential benefits can arise from animals going viral on social media?

Virality can lead to positive outcomes like raising awareness for zoos, aquariums, and conservation efforts, sparking educational conversations about animal welfare, and inspiring future interest in fields like Marine Biology.

What is one of the negative consequences of animals becoming viral celebrities?

A downside is the commodification of these animals, where people expect them to behave a certain way without considering their autonomy or well-being.

What role does social media play in how we interact with viral animals?

Social media is primarily used for leisure, but it also provides educational opportunities, allows for the commodification of animals, and enables users to project their own emotions onto the animals they see.