Psychology of Virality with Professor Steve Rathje

Psychology of Virality with Professor Steve Rathje

Author: Caitlin Begg August 26, 2025 Duration: 46:51

Steve Rathje, Incoming Assistant Professor of Human Computer Interaction at Carnegie Mellon University, joins us to kick off season three of Progression to Analog! You may know Steve from his TikTok @stevepsychology (1M+ followers). We discuss the psychology of virality and why info spreads offline and online, the paradox of virality and why people share negative content online even though they claim to not want negative content, smartphone bans, cross-cultural social media trends, and more.




There's a quiet but persistent feeling that something essential is getting lost in our digital shuffle. Progression to Analog is a space to examine that feeling, hosted by sociologist and Authentic Social founder Caitlin Begg. This isn't a nostalgic retreat, but a thoughtful exploration of how reintroducing analog elements-whether in communication, work, or leisure-can reshape our daily experience toward something more intentional and, ultimately, more human. Each conversation in this podcast moves beyond simple tool-swapping to ask deeper questions about presence, connection, and the architecture of our attention. You'll hear discussions that weave sociological insight with practical reflection, considering how the textures of a less-mediated life can influence our relationships, creativity, and sense of self. New episodes arrive every Monday, offering a regular pause to consider the pace and quality of the everyday. Tune in for a series that treats the analog not as an antiquated concept, but as a meaningful progression.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 39

Progression to Analog
Podcast Episodes
Human-Centric Enterprise AI with Helsinki-based Dr. Anna Lahtinen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:41
In this episode, I discuss practical sociotechnical approaches to enterprise artificial intelligence adoption (especially for small and medium sized businesses) with Helsinki-based Dr. Anna Lahtinen. Curiously, artificia…
The Death of Anticipation, Precipitated by Technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:53
In this episode, I discuss my research on the immediacy-driven and self-referential nature of digital communication—which short-circuts attention spans, desire, and anticipation. I also reference Max Fisher's "The Chaos…
Love and Technology with London-based Journalist Ria Wolstenholme [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:09
In this "Progression to Analog" episode, we dive into the heart of love and technology with London-based journalist Ria Wolstenholme. We unwrap the digital dating dilemma, reminisce over analog allure, and share secrets…
Artificial Intelligence and Conversation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:55
Combining my research from the Responsible Artificial Intelligence Forum (Munich, September 2023) with actionable insights and 'PROGRESSION TO ANALOG'.
Four Minute Background: Progression to Analog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:15
I aim for you to emerge from 'Progression to Analog' not only with practical strategies for a more human-centered and technologically balanced personal and professional life, but also with a nuanced comprehension of the…
Progression to Analog Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
My name is Caitlin Begg and I’m the founder of Authentic Social and sociological researcher. I wrote my 2016 Harvard sociology thesis on technology’s effect on relationships, and since 2022 I’ve been conducting independe…