The Clickbait Dilemma

The Endless Scroll: Friend or Foe?

We are part of a world flooded with information. News, entertainment, educational videos – it's all a click or swipe up away, thanks to social media. The question is, are those social media platforms providing the news we actually need, or are we being manipulated with clickbait tactics.

The Appealing Headline

Let's talk real, who of us hasn't fallen victim to a geniously a crafted headline?  Phrases with strong hooks you don’t want to miss, like "You Won't Believe What This Cat Did!" or "This One Unimaginable Trick Will Change Your Life!". Such hooks make us very curious and  aim for quick fixes.  So what’s the issue with that, you say?  These clickbaits often lead the reader to misleading, false information or sensationalist articles.

The Algorithmic Puzzle

The algorithms in social media are designed to keep us fully invested and engaged. This necessity plays a big role in this. Based on our feed, online behavior and previous clicks, their tracking records suggest to us content their algorithms think we’ll click on. That method doesn’t ensure the accuracy or value of that information or news. The result is an echo chamber and explosion of information supporting our biases. 

Breaking Free -No more Clickbaits

So, how do we go about with navigating this clickbait-infested landscape?  Here are a few tips:

• Never trust the headline: Take a moment to analyze the language used before clicking on any headline. Is there any exaggeration or claims that evoke strong emotions?

• Always check the source: How reputable this news outlet is? Do some fact-checking established news organizations. And finally, do som research and check on their biases. 

• There is always beyond the headline: Never base your opinion on a single sentence. Always inspect the entire article to have a full understanding of  the context.

• MAke sure to have a diverse  news sources: Avoid being dependent on social media as your sole news provider. Find reputable credible news sources and fact-checking websites with no biases.

Now we can break free from the clickbait cycle by becoming responsible and more critical consumers of information. All platforms need to be held accountable for their delivered content.