Why Things Catch On: The Science of Contagious Ideas, Products, and Behaviors

Why Things Catch On explores the mechanics behind why certain ideas, products, and behaviors spread rapidly while others do not. Drawing on research from psychology, sociology, and marketing, this book reveals key factors such as social influence, emotional resonance, and practical value that drive contagiousness. It offers an expert analysis of how to craft messages and innovations that naturally gain traction and influence widespread adoption. This insight is essential for professionals aiming to understand and harness the dynamics of viral success.

Table of Contents

1.     Introduction: The Power of Virality

2.     The Psychology of Sharing

3.     Social Currency: Making People Look Good

4.     Triggers: Top of Mind, Tip of Tongue

5.     Emotion: When We Care, We Share

6.     Public: Built to Show, Built to Grow

7.     Practical Value: News You Can Use

8.     Stories: Information Wrapped in Narrative

9.     The Role of Community

10. How Culture Shapes Contagion

11. Memes and the Mechanics of Internet Virality

12. Influencers vs. Everyday Advocates

13. The Science of Word of Mouth

14. Designing for Stickiness

15. The Speed of Spread: Timing Matters

16. Measuring Contagion: Metrics That Matter

17. Ethical Considerations: When Should Things Not Catch On?

18. How to Engineer Virality in Your Product

19. Case Studies of Things That Caught On

20. Conclusion: Building Lasting Impact