Ryan Holiday, in his book "Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator," explores the psychological drivers behind human behavior and engagement. He points out that feelings of hopelessness and despair often lead to inaction, paralyzing individuals rather than motivating them. In contrast, emotions like pity and empathy can inspire people to take action, prompting them to leave the comfort of their screens and engage with the real world.

Furthermore, Holiday emphasizes that more intense emotions such as anger, fear, excitement, laughter, and outrage have the power to compel individuals to share and spread messages. These emotions trigger a desire to communicate and connect, especially in the context of media consumption, where sensational content is often prioritized. This dynamic highlights the role of emotional engagement in driving social actions and media manipulation.