As this oh-so-useful timeline of Internet memes shows, viral videos have long kept cubicle warriors smiling through their TPS reports and teenagers laughing all the way to MySpace. It's not all fun and games though: from Obama Girl to Tea Partay to OK Go, effective viral videos can shape elections, push millions of products and establish artists.
Short, catchy videos can also draw attention to causes and motivate people to action. Just ask The Nature Conservancy, or even TDG's own Glen, The Global Warming Groundhog.
While it can be debatable whether serious "mission" movies like Blood Diamond or thrillerized fare like The Day After Tomorrow really make an impact with viewers, history shows that humor — done well — can be a powerful force for social change. Think Jonathan Swift, Lenny Bruce and Shakespeare. Or arguably the good folk of JibJab.
You also might want to check out the new site Go Green Tube, which offsets a pound of carbon for each video viewed.
So here are the picks for the most viral green videos. Add yours in the comments, and tell us what you think of these selections!
Note: Several of these videos include strong language and adult themes, and are not suitable for children. Also note: the videos get funnier as you go down the list. So let the countdown begin...
10. Best Student Film – Save the Animal Crackers!
This video has great production values, and executes a smart, amusing concept really well. We didn't find it sidesplittingly hilarious, but it definitely makes an impact. Plus, we like the fact that it was made by college students.
The National Geographic Channel had asked college kids to create something for their Annual Preserve Our Planet Film + PSA Contest, with the theme “what you do counts.” This finalist is by Genna Duberstein of American University.
reddit
digg
Del.icio.us
facebook
newsvine
stumble
What is share?
rss
