29 Feb 4 Reasons to Love the Listicle
Today, in the current incarnation of the written word, the internet, has found the listicle. This is defined as an article written in the form of a list, hopefully with each entry containing content relating to each item. Many journalists, writers, as well as English teachers have nothing but disdain for them. However, the list in an article has a long tradition in both newspapers and legal writing since they both started.
In order to help its underestimated value and scorned reputation, here are 4 reasons to love the listicle.
1. Its a new word, but an old idea
The world “listicle” was only added to the official dictionary in 2014. However, the use of lists in this fashion is not new. Anyone who has every spent time reading the Guinness book of world records, an old encyclopedia or even the bible can tell you, lists have been with us for a very long time.
2. Its versatile
It’s the type of article that can be adjusted to any subject, style, and desired length. Factoring the double specific list, i.e. “25 things do to with your dog while you are on the moon.” The possibilities become endless!
3. It’s fast
While this might seem just a gimmick, it is in fact a very important function. In the last 60 years the consumption of information and media has risen by more than half, and from 2008 to 2015 the average hours a person has spent on taking in information has rose from 11.5 hours to 13 hours.
4. It’s brain friendly
Listicles have been shown to be one of the most effective ways to not only process information, it also makes it easier to recall later. In this fast paced world of high stress at break-neck speed, easier and more efficient is most certainly the best way to go if you want to capture your audience.
So whether loved or hated, the fact is the listicle is just a new word for a very old idea, the list.