Even the New York Times is clickbait
Originally posted: 07/21/2021
Even the NYT is clickbait. We’re all just out here hustlin for your like and follow. 🤷♀️😆
Transcription:
People responded to my click bait video saying that click bait is actually just false advertising and language works by popular demand. So that definition of click bait is true, but words also have more than one definition. And here's why I stand by a broader use of the word click bait. That broader definition being anything on the internet intended to get you to click.
First, it's not always deceitful. Let's say you came upon the title, this band is blowing up the Manchester music scene and you won't believe of who the lead singer is. We can pretty much all agree that's some good old school click bait titling, right? But then what if it's about an American jug band making waves in the UK with a Kookaburra behind the microphone? I mean, that title was true. Still click bait, though.
What I find interesting about a broader definition is that it brings to light how we're all basically trying to do the exact same thing on social media. Whether we're the shadiest click bait site or the New York Times. Different journalistic quality, obviously. But as soon as we post anything on social media, we're all trying to get the exact same thing. Engagement, like, share, click.
The New York Times wants us to click their stories. Why the fuck wouldn't they? And they put it out there in a way they think their audience will engage with. You think they're not AB testing that shit? Anyhow, doesn't really matter. Carry on.
#clickbait #socialmedia #content