Outrage Sells: How Algorithms Reward Drama and What That Means for Your Brand

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This week on the Mike & Blaine Podcast, we dig into one of the strangest realities of modern internet culture: the smaller and more ridiculous the conflict, the more attention it seems to attract. From comment-section battles and “subtle shade” reels to stitched reaction videos and viral mini-drama clips, it’s clear the internet is wired to amplify disagreement far faster than nuance or facts.

We unpack why humans are psychologically drawn to conflict, how social media algorithms actively reward outrage, and why even thoughtful creators and well-intentioned brands feel pressure to lean into controversy just to stay visible. But more importantly, we explore the strategic side of it: attention is a currency, and not all attention compounds in your favor.

In this episode, we connect the dots between viral drama and real business strategy. When does provocative content drive meaningful engagement, and when does it quietly erode trust? How can founders, marketers, and creators design content that cuts through the noise without burning credibility? And what tactics can you use to build long-term audience loyalty in a system that’s optimized for short-term spikes?

If you’ve ever wondered why calm, thoughtful content gets ignored, why your smartest posts underperform, or how to play the algorithm game without selling your soul, this conversation breaks it down in a practical, no-nonsense way.

Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join Mike & Blaine as we talk internet culture, marketing psychology, and the hidden costs of chasing clicks.

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Mike: Neighbour Pat’s Red Ale

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