tom willerer . com

Top ten reasons why we love top ten lists

1. The context for what we are about to read is set right from the title (i.e. top 10 list of ____).
2. Lists are quick.
3. Lists are easy to understand.
4. Studies have shown that our short term memory can hold 7+ or - 2 elements.
5. 10 is an even number, and even numbers seem to be more appealing.
6. Related to #4, lists are easy to share (b/c they are easier to remember).
7. Top 10 lists provide the illusion of completeness, or finality.
8. Top 10 lists don’t require originality.
9. They are especially popular around the holidays.
10. Top 10 lists are easy to hate.

Notes