michailbul/viral-psychology-hooks

Viral Psychology Hooks — Content Ideation Skill

Generate content ideas and storyboards that hijack the brain's reward systems. Based on neuroscience patterns behind million-view content (AI veggie drama, morbid curiosity bait, cliffhanger series).

The 4 Brain Triggers (always use at least one)

See references/psychology-triggers.md for full breakdown with examples.

| Trigger | Mechanism | Engagement Pattern | |---------|-----------|-------------------| | Morbid Curiosity | Brain rewards studying unpredictable/shocking situations (evolutionary survival) | Stop-scroll, share with "this is cursed" | | Gossip Reward | "Dirty" stories — even fictional characters — activate reward centers. Social info = dopamine | Comments, saves, tagging friends | | Prediction Error | More absurd the twist → stronger dopamine hit. Violate expectations hard | Rewatches, shares, "wait what" comments | | Zeigarnik Effect | Unfinished stories hang in working memory. Multi-part = profile visits + follows | Follower growth, saves, "waiting for part 2" |

Workflow

When asked for ideation/storyboard ideas:

1. Identify the content goal — Reel, carousel, short-form video, meme, series?
2. Identify laniameda angle — Which pillar: AI creatorship, cinematic, web design, building in public?
3. Select trigger(s) — Which brain hook fits the format and goal?
4. Generate 3-5 concepts — Each concept must name the trigger(s) it uses and why
5. Build the storyboard outline — Scene-by-scene for video, slide-by-slide for carousel
6. Rate viral potential — Score 1-5 on each trigger dimension

Output Format

## Content Concept: [Name]

**Format:** [Reel / Carousel / Series / Meme]
**Triggers used:** [Morbid Curiosity / Gossip Reward / Prediction Error / Zeigarnik]
**Why it works:** [1-2 sentences on the neuroscience]

**Hook (first 2 seconds):** [Exact opening line or visual]

**Storyboard:**
- Scene 1: [What happens + why it activates the trigger]
- Scene 2: [Escalation]
- Scene 3: [Twist / dopamine peak]
- Scene 4: [CTA or cliffhanger]

**Viral mechanics:**
- Share trigger: [What makes someone send it to a friend]
- Comment bait: [What makes people argue/react]
- Follow hook: [Why they'd subscribe for more]

**Viral potential:** Curiosity [x/5] | Gossip [x/5] | Surprise [x/5] | Zeigarnik [x/5]

Native Brand Integration

When applying these patterns to branded content (laniameda, client work):

• Use the absurdity/drama of the hook as a container — brand message lives inside
• The trend of "real vegetables acting dramatic" = same psychology applied to real products
• AI-generated characters drama → AI-generated design drama → natural fit for laniameda
• Example: "This AI prompt started drama between Midjourney and Flux..." (gossip reward + brand context)