Idea Viruses as Informational Cascades

In a previous post, I suggested that so-called “idea viruses” might be thought of as either causes of or manifestations of informational cascades. I now think manifestation is the right characterization rather than cause. I am persuaded by this fascinating and frightening piece of research [PDF] showing that legislators tend to try to garner support for their positions by creating informational cascades within the legislative body. It’s not quite a classic idea virus in the sense that it isn’t a new idea that each recipient “catches,” but it does reflect a contagion of an opinion or position.