The (False) Truth About Viral Content

Quite a few of us saw this picture last week. Tens of thousands shared it, and many used it as inspiration for a blog post or op-ed. Depending on your political affiliation, it was either a perfect embodiment of the “childish” government shutdown or yet another example of “The Media” manipulating the narrative to make a predetermined point.

Or maybe it was neither. But since millions saw it and drew their own conclusions, does that even matter?

Ann Midgette of The Washington Post knows the kid in the picture, but she didn’t recognize him when it went viral—she just saw it, formed a quick opinion and moved on like most readers do.