Whether these photos befuddled you, induced laughter, or made you cringe, they grabbed your attention. That then begs the question: what about these types of content do people find so appealing?
According to market research expert Vasim Samadji, these images have enough shock value to trigger an emotion, even if it isn’t necessarily a positive one. That creates a sense of community among those who see and react to them.
There’s also the aspect of visual storytelling, even with the photos on this list that lack context. The weird imagery allows the viewer to create their own narratives, making it resonate with them.
According to DataDab, viral photos — regardless of context or the lack thereof — are relatable enough for people to have them resonate with their own experiences, values, or aspirations.
Given the seeming power of weird, cringey, and out-of-context photos, can they be used as a marketing tool? Samadji believes so, with the constant evolution of digital marketing trends. However, he offered a caveat: such types of content must be used correctly.
“By creating content that’s deliberately awkward or funny, brands can attract attention and generate buzz,” Samadji wrote.
However, using weird and cringeworthy content as a marketing tool can also hurt one’s brand reputation. To prevent this from happening, experts from the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management advise engaging in social listening before, during, and after the campaign.
“This is especially true when marketing materials reference pop culture or target younger consumers, where trends change fast, and it’s easy to miss the mark,” communications specialist Lacie Blankenship wrote.
Now, we’d like to hear from you, readers. What was your first reaction upon seeing these photos? Were you bothered or entertained by the lack of context? Share your thoughts in the comments!
