Molly McPherson argues that algorithms, not substance, drive what goes viral. She uses Oprah's podcast featuring Kristen Cabot as an example of how high-profile figures chase clicks under the guise of meaningful content, a pattern the PR industry profits from.
When what it was was a viral story. What brings viral infamy? Like, well, how do you get viral? The algorithm, right? The algorithm happens. How did Oprah become big? She had viewers. What does Oprah want? She wants views for her podcast. She wants listens on her podcast. Why did she put Kristen Cabot on the chair there? Because she's such a deep thinker? Because she's sharing some benevolent program? No. Viral infamy. Oprah wanted the clicks. The hypocrisy of those two women in that chair. That's the piece. That's the, that's where I live. That's where I live. And at that crisis PR conference, if I were moderating it, that's what I'd be talking about.
