The structure of a listicle is this: introduction > numbered list > conclusion. Their appeal lies in their ability to present information in a structured and visually engaging way. Easily digestible.

This format is far from new, with roots that can be traced back to ancient times. Religious, legal and literary texts are chock full of listicles. Take, for instance, the “Ten Commandments” (the very foundation of Judaeo-Christian ethics) or the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. Over time, lists became a staple in print media, with publications like The Farmer’s Almanac and Reader’s Digest popularising the format through practical tips and “top ten” features.

A ranked listicle (such as Rolling Stone's "The 100 Best Albums of the Last 20 Years") implies a qualitative judgement, conveyed by the order of the particles within the listicle. These are often presented as a countdown, with the "number one" item as the last in the sequence. Other listicles imply no rank, instead presenting the topics in an ad hoc order, e.g. Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”.

Another example of the unranked list would be Sir John Lubbock's 1886 list of the 100 books that anyone should read if they want to think of themselves as “well-read”. The original "must-read" list.

With the advent of the Internet in the 1990s, listicles underwent a transformation. The format was perfectly suited to online readers who often have limited attention spans, craving information that is easily processed. [Ed: Who doesn’t like easy?] Platforms like BuzzFeed, which emerged in the early 2000s, pioneered the modern listicle, turning it into a cornerstone of digital content. Their catchy headlines and skimmable structure resonated with the rapid consumption habits of Internet users, making listicles a viral phenomenon. Another online platform, Bored Panda, is also rather fond of the listicle.

As alluded to above, the cultural relevance of listicles is deeply rooted in their cognitive appeal. Lists provide a clear structure that makes complex information easy to process and remember. They cater to the human brain's preference for patterns and simplicity, allowing readers to quickly extract key points. Furthermore, listicles drive engagement and virality through their enticing headlines and shareable nature. Whether lighthearted (“5 Hilarious Cat Memes”) or serious (“7 Ways to Combat Climate Change”), listicles adapt seamlessly to a variety of topics, tones and audiences.

Lists are not necessarily anti-literary. If they lack complex structure, that lack is sometimes precisely the point. The Italian philosopher and author Umberto Eco even published a book-length listicle of lists, The Infinity of Lists.

Beyond their practical utility, listicles have a significant influence on popular culture. They shape consumer decisions, create shared cultural moments, and serve as a medium for humour and nostalgia. However, they are not without criticism. Detractors argue that listicles promote superficiality and oversimplify complex subjects. Despite this, the format has endured, often celebrated and parodied in memes and satirical content, underscoring its ubiquity.

Story Idea: Ian Hobbs
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References

wikipedia.org/wiki/Listicle
independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/sir-john-lubbock-the-book-list-literature-reading-godfather-mustread-listicle
wsj.com/articles/buzzfeed-nails-the-listicle-what-happens-next
theguardian.com/books/2013/nov/12/listicles-articles-written-lists-steven-poole
listverse.com
theguardian.com/books/2009/dec/12/umberto-eco-lists-book-review

Images

1. The "Ten Commandments"
2. Sir John Lubbock, banker and politician
3. Rolling Stone's "The 100 Best Albums of the Last 20 Years", 27 August 1987
4. Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”, December 1975
5. BuzzFeed Listicles game, 2020
6. Mental Floss list
7. The Bored Panda folk really love Dude With Sign listicles
8. The Infinity of Lists by Umberto Ecco, 2009