The power of positivity: how a simple question went viral

It started with a simple set-up: a mic, a camera and a sign that read: “Tell us something good that happened to you today.”

“I woke up on my first alarm.”

“I had a really productive morning.”

“I got an internship offer today.”

This style of “standing mic” campus interviews, where students can share their thoughts in an unfiltered, unscripted way, came out of a goal to elevate the quality of our university social media content in both composition and sentiment. When we created a video around Thanksgiving last year, asking students to share what they were thankful for, and shared it across platforms, the response was overwhelmingly positive. The honesty and authenticity of students voluntarily approaching the camera and sharing their gratitude made the video a success. 

Inspired by this, we continued exploring this style. In February, we set up a mirrorless camera and microphone in front of Wilson Library, a central landmark on campus, for about two hours. A sign next to the microphone displayed the prompt: “Tell us something good that happened to you today for a chance to be featured on UNC’s social media.” This allowed students to approach the camera with minimal intervention, while further guidance was provided if they had any questions. We received more than 20 responses, selecting the best ones based on length and audio quality to keep the final video within 90 seconds. While most participants were students, one faculty member also added her perspective to the mix, citing her excitement to teach her upcoming lesson on The Sound and the Fury.

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What followed exceeded expectations. Just days after posting, the Instagram reel had reached more than 4 million people (and counting), with viewers answering the prompt in the comments section. As of 1 March 2025, the video has had more than 5 million views, 650,000 engagements and 3,900 comments. The video has resonated far beyond the Carolina community. Former Today Show news anchor Hoda Kotb reposted it to her Instagram feed. The Washington Post wrote an Inspired Life piece on it. A local news station, WRAL, inspired by the concept, posed the same question to their viewers, further amplifying the message of positivity from the Carolina community.

The post’s success wasn’t because of an overly curated message but in capturing the real, everyday joys of student life.

Simplicity stands out in a blur of social media content

We set out to create fun and impactful content that spreads positivity and resonates with our viewers. We were looking to remind people that happiness doesn’t have to be this big, life-changing thing but can be found in any typical Carolina day. Like the idea and the set-up, the post itself was minimal: no quick edits or trends, just genuine, voluntary, unscripted responses from 17 students, offering moments of vulnerability and joy. This positivity was not manufactured or forced; it happened naturally, with minimal solicitation. The authenticity of the answers drove engagement, with comments reflecting similar emotions and experiences, while the simplicity of the standing microphone allows viewers to focus solely on the students and their answers.

Understanding the video’s success on social media

Why did this work so well? The power of one straightforward question should not be underestimated. In a fast-scrolling digital world, simplicity stands out. The goal was to give the Carolina community a chance to share their voices in the most authentic way possible, so they felt seen and heard on our platforms. Throughout the production process, the focus remained on amplifying these voices and ensuring the message of positivity resonated with viewers.

Authenticity and student representation were key to the video’s success. The heart of the story lies with the students, and it grew from there. By centring Carolina voices, the video provided an opportunity for students – as well as alumni, family members and the broader community – to see an uplifting, relatable campus environment. It reinforced a sense of belonging and nostalgia while welcoming and engaging those who have never been to Carolina.

Beyond its virality, the video created a ripple effect. The comment section engaged viewers emotionally; some asked for more, hoping for a recurring series, tagging other universities to ask for their version, while others shared their own stories. 

Lessons for social media in higher education

Creating “positivity” content in higher education is a fine balance. It’s not just about feel-good moments; it’s about fostering genuine connection to build trust. Connecting with students through honesty versus generic well-being messaging also helped amplify the message of the video. Universities should embrace simplicity, student voices and authenticity to engage their audiences, making social media a vital tool for communication and trust between institutions and audience members.

What makes this video so special isn’t just the number of views or likes it gets but how relatable it is. Its viral success highlights that social media is more than a platform for announcements or a way to highlight the best-of-the-best moments. It can be a powerful tool for building community, fostering positivity and creating emotional impact. And sometimes it’s just about noticing the good in the ordinary. 

Andrew Lam is social media content producer and Riley Phillips is director of social media, both at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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