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Viral phenomenon

Viral phenomena are data files that are spread via the internet. They can be video clips, pictures, texts or a combination.

When shared on social media, viral content can spread rapidly. So-called Memes are the best-known example of viral phenomena.

Brazil: Outrage after man asphyxiates during police arrest

Brazil: Outrage after man asphyxiates during police arrest 27.05.2022

Viral videos showed Brazilian police forcing a 38-year-old Black man into the trunk of an SUV with smoke emerging from the vehicle. The man, identified as Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, died from asphyxiation.
Ukrainian TikTok star Valeria Shashenok chronicles life during war

Ukrainian TikTok star Valeria Shashenok chronicles life during war 16.05.2022

A 20-year-old TikTok artist, who made viral videos about life in an underground bomb shelter in Ukraine, has attracted more than 1 million followers.
Fact check: How to spot a fake military success story in Russia-Ukraine war

Fact check: How to spot a fake military success story in Russia-Ukraine war 13.04.2022

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted viral videos claiming military success on both sides. But can you trust the images of drone strikes, snipers and ambushes? DW unpacked one video in search of the truth.
Memes and cartoons thrive in times of war

Memes and cartoons thrive in times of war 10.03.2022

What do cartoonists make of the Russian war in Ukraine? They certainly counter Russian President Vladimir Putin with a weapon he is known to abhor — humor.
The best social media memes of 2021

The best social media memes of 2021 28.12.2021

How it started, and how it's going: Despite the pandemic running for the second year, the internet was always quick to humorously comment on current events.
GOP congressman Gosar under fire for Ocasio-Cortez video meme

GOP congressman Gosar under fire for Ocasio-Cortez video meme 09.11.2021

The Arizona Republican released a video featuring images of him violently killing Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez with a sword and then holding it to President Joe Biden's head. Democrats and the White Hose condemned the video.
Pakistan: Outpouring of anger after woman assaulted by over 400 men

Pakistan: Outpouring of anger after woman assaulted by over 400 men 18.08.2021

Cases have been registered against 400 unidentified people after a viral video showed a woman being assaulted at Minar-e-Pakistan on the country's independence day.
Australian charged over fake anti-government video

Australian charged over fake anti-government video 02.08.2021

A viral video showed a man claiming to be Australia's top police commissioner discussing plots against the government. But the police say the video was faked.
The Gen Z climate activists going viral on TikTok

The Gen Z climate activists going viral on TikTok 18.05.2021

Dance routines and cat memes are usually what goes viral on TikTok. But now young eco-influencers are racking up millions of views with videos on everything from trash to the rights of nature.
Dogecoin: The world's most valuable joke

Dogecoin: The world's most valuable joke 11.05.2021

The cryptocurrency has outperformed all others over the past year and is now valued at $70 billion. Based on a meme, it has ironically shown itself to be rather sensitive to jokes, as revealed in a recent Elon Musk gag.
Famous quotes: Why are so many fake?

Famous quotes: Why are so many fake? 24.03.2021

Popular quotes that often appear in speeches, tweets and memes are oftentimes fake. But how did they enter the popular lexicon, and can we find their true origins?

Beeple digital artwork auctioned for a record $69 million

Beeple digital artwork auctioned for a record $69 million 12.03.2021

Christie's auction house in London had until now only sold physical works of art. Beeple's digital piece has become the third-most-expensive work sold by a living artist.
Jeff Koons and 'Fait d'hiver': When is plagiarism art?

Jeff Koons and 'Fait d'hiver': When is plagiarism art? 26.02.2021

Once again, US artist Jeff Koons has been convicted of plagiarism. When is a work of art considered a copy, and what does that mean for memes?
'I am not a cat': Courtroom Zoom mishap goes viral

'I am not a cat': Courtroom Zoom mishap goes viral 10.02.2021

A lawyer in the US state of Texas has become internet famous after accidentally logging in to a court hearing with a filter that made him look like a kitten.
Tweets from Musk send price of Dogecoin soaring

Tweets from Musk send price of Dogecoin soaring 04.02.2021

Prices of Dogecoin rose by 50% less than 24 hours after the world's richest man, Elon Musk, tweeted a meme of himself and the cryptocurrency's logo in Disney's The Lion King film.

Bernie Sanders meme to raise money for charity

Bernie Sanders meme to raise money for charity 25.01.2021

A single photo of US Senator Bernie Sanders has inspired countless memes worldwide. The Democrat said he would use the viral image to help feed the hungry.
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