Viral information can be described as information which is able to "convert other objects into copies of themselves when these objects are exposed to them." Although the strict definition of an artifact which is able to replicate itself does not hold for viral information, we do not need to make a huge conceptual leap if we consider that viral information is able to change the thoughts of humans to want to replicate the information. I think it is pertinent to note that the term viral was around before the internet; indeed, biological viruses act in much the same way as computer ones do: by injecting a small amount of code into a host cell and reprogramming cellular machinery. So, here is a brief overview of how biological viruses - in this case HIV - work (and doing it in lego is amazing!).
How Does Viral Information Travel?
Briefly, a video, picture, web-site is discovered by someone. This person likes it so much they share it - via eMail, Twitter, Facebook... - their friends also share it and so the cycle continues. The most interesting thing about viral information is that it is quick. Information is rapidly discovered, shared, and interest then moves on to the next big thing. For an interesting discussion of using the viral approach to market a product see this article about Two Gentlemen of Lebowski - within 24 hours a script has a professional production planned in NY.
Happy Cat
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
This is perhaps one of the most well-known phenomena. His discovery, in around 2003, kick-started lolcats. As with many viral phenomena, the source is disputed. However, Know Your Meme, traces Happy Cat's first on-line appearance to an advert from a Russian Cat Food company.
Some More Viral Videos
Here is a particularly NZ example. This video is a particular favourite with Librarians:
And to revert to the lego theme (and not really sure this qualifies as viral, but it should):
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