Why do cruel posts go viral? And why does it feel so good when our own posts do?In this episode of Write of Passage, Vanessa Riley explores the dark psychology of the internet—the thrill of going viral, the temptation of vicarious living, and the rise of the “vicious keyboard.” From a childhood vocabulary word that unlocked the power of storytelling to a viral Instagram moment that revealed the addictive pull of social media, Riley reflects on human nature, online cruelty, and the consequences of digital pile-ons.Through scripture, storytelling, and insights from writing the pirate heroine Jacquotte Delahaye in Fire Sword and Sea, Riley asks a deeper question: have we become so comfortable behind a keyboard that we forget the humanity of the people on the other side?If the internet rewards outrage, how do we resist becoming part of the mob?This episode challenges listeners to pause before posting, reconsider the impact of our words, and reclaim the joy of stories that let us live vicariously—without destroying someone else in the process.Plus: this week’s book recommendations and upcoming events in Baltimore.

Why do toxic posts go viral? Vanessa Riley explores social media addiction, vicarious living, and the danger of the “vicious keyboard.”

Keywords: Vanessa Riley, Write of Passage podcast, social media toxicity, online harassment, keyboard warriors, viral posts, internet culture, digital ethics, vicarious living, storytelling and human nature, Fire Sword and Sea, Jacquotte Delahaye, authors talking writing, social media addiction, online bullying, cancel culture, internet psychology, writing craft, book podcast, author commentary, Mahogany Books event, Baltimore author events

Episode Notes & Extras 


Find my full show notes, behind-the-scenes thoughts, and extras on Substack → vanessariley.substack.com 

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