The world is delighted by apparent stupidity and YouTube now makes it easier than ever to prove that point.
This Friday, Caitlin Upton, Miss South Carolina Teen, fumbled magically during the question period at the Miss Teen USA 2007 pageant. Miss South Carolina Teen was asked the following, "Recent polls show that 1/5th of Americans can't locate the US on a world map. Why do you think this is?"
Watch the video and you'll see why one Youtuber commented, "The woman is a genius. Think about it, she answered the question better than anyone could have hoped."
The real kicker is that one day later, 1.5 million Youtubers have already taken the time to delight in her apparent stupidity. Oh my.
Unfortunately, if the public thinks you're famous AND stupid you will become a viral joke overnight.
UPDATE: 3 Days Later and the video has generated over 6 million views!
Delight in Stupidity
Miss South Carolina Fumbles at Miss Teen USA; 1.5 Million Youtubers Enjoy
Trend Themes
1. Viral Videos of Stupidity - Creating humorous videos showcasing apparent stupidity has become a popular trend on social media platforms like YouTube.
2. Internet Fame From Mishaps - People can quickly gain viral fame by making mistakes or giving humorous responses in public settings, thanks to the power of the internet.
3. Public Shaming Culture - The rise of public shaming and online ridicule has led to an increased interest in videos that highlight perceived stupidity.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media Platforms - Social media platforms like YouTube have created new opportunities for content creators to gain fame and popularity through viral videos.
2. Entertainment and Comedy - The entertainment and comedy industries can leverage the trend of viral videos of stupidity to create engaging and humorous content for their audiences.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Marketers and advertisers can capitalize on the appeal of viral videos by incorporating humor and relatable content into their campaigns.