The millennial generation is the group that jumpstarted the GIF revolution. Chances are if you are reading an article that a student has written or is student-targeted, there will be the visual aid of GIFs. Sites like tumblr, pinterest, buzzfeed, and the Odyssey itself run on gifs. But why are we so intrigued with these moving pictures?
1. A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
As a society, we rely very heavily on visual cues. These clue us in to our surroundings. While describing something can help us create a mental image, we may find it easier to connect with an actualized representation and glean our own meanings from there. A GIF takes it a step further, allowing you not only to see one moment, but several and get a sense of how the meaning changes with movement and/or over time. So if a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a GIF worth?
via distancefromhappiness on Tumblr
2. Relatable
A GIF helps solidify how this affects you and your life. It’s a parable that will allow you to realize that this universal idea is something that you too experience in your day-to-day life.
via secretly-a-dinosaur on Tumblr
3. They Let you Dream
… or maybe you don’t. Instead, you are left amused with the idea of the possibility of a cute puppy sneezing or a dorky boy winking right at you.
via mrsmellarkwayland on Tumblr
4. They’re Funny
Beyond illustrating points, GIFs are often used to provide some comic relief and to insert some humor into whatever topic you’re covering.
via allthatflowers on Tumblr
5. They Help You Make Connections to Past Experiences
Gifs that reference shows you’ve seen may remind you of your opinions of that show or of that viral video. You are now associating it with the idea that the author is presenting – giving you an easy to access opinion already built in.
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6. They help further your understanding of the authors POV
Not to mention, you get a feel for how the author feels about their point. The words may express the facts, but the gifs tell you how the author feels about the what they’re saying. (This is especially useful, maybe even vital, when it’s a satirical piece).
via officem on Tumblr
