Clickbait is a term used to describe online content that is designed to attract attention and encourage users to click on a link, usually leading to a webpage, article, or video. The primary goal of clickbait is to drive web traffic and increase engagement, which can result in higher ad revenue for content creators and publishers. Clickbait is in some ways a descendant of the genre of [[yellow journalism]] popularized by [[William Randolph Hearst]] and Joseph Pulitzer in the early 20th century. ## Characteristics of clickbait 1. **Sensational or misleading headlines**: Clickbait headlines often use exaggerated language, intrigue, or emotional manipulation to entice users. These headlines may be misleading or only partially true, creating a curiosity gap that encourages users to click on the link to learn more. 2. **Listicles**: Clickbait content often comes in the form of listicles, which are articles or other content presented in a list format. Listicles are easy to consume and share, making them attractive to both readers and content creators. 3. **Low-quality or shallow content**: Clickbait articles and videos tend to have low-quality content that lacks depth or substance. The focus is on attracting clicks rather than providing useful or meaningful information. 4. **Emphasis on virality**: Clickbait creators often aim to make their content go viral, which means it is widely shared and viewed. This can be achieved through shareable content, such as [memes](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/hybrid-warfare/memes/), gifs, or videos, as well as emotionally charged topics that elicit strong reactions. 5. **Intrusive advertising**: Clickbait websites often feature intrusive ads, such as pop-ups or auto-playing videos, which can be annoying to users but generate revenue for the site. The use of clickbait has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of [[social media]] and the shift towards an attention-driven economy. However, it has also been criticized for its negative impact on journalism, content quality, and user experience. Many platforms, including [Facebook](https://doctorparadox.net/category/technology/facebook/) and [[Google]], have implemented algorithms and policies to reduce the prevalence of clickbait and promote more valuable content.