Click Protection: Understanding its Risks and Ways to Avoid Them.
At one point or another, we’ve all fallen prey to a deceptive headline, only to discover upon opening the article that we’ve been duped, or at worst, misled. The fact is, this happens because clickbait is very good at doing exactly what it sets out to do – which is to lure us in, under the guise of credible content.
The experience of being click-baited, coupled with time wasted on irrelevant or sensational content, can cause increased levels of stress, anxiety, and a pervasive feeling of being overwhelmed, which can have negative effects on our overall well-being.
So how do you tell the difference between clickbait and content you can trust? This recipe explains the potential dangers of clickbait and offers guidance on how to avoid it. It is kindly donated by Eliza Williams, a digital content and media consultant and researcher.
Step 1 – What is clickbait, and why should I be careful?
Clickbait can be generally defined as content that exists to attract people to a particular page or site, but that does not necessarily have any informational value, or is deceptive.
Logic tells you that this isn't much to worry about, since we assume we can simply click away from the page without storing the unwanted information—no harm, no foul. But the reality is that this is easier said than done. After all, if it's a good click, how do we know that the information isn't legitimate?
Herein lies the danger, as we buy and spread false information. At best, we share a controversial gossip story – at worst, harmful propaganda that has the potential to change lives.
Step 2 – Pay attention to the wording
So how can you avoid falling for clickbait? The best place to start is with the language that first catches your attention.
Such content often uses sensational headlines, made up of words that are intriguing and compelling. Opening phrases might sound something like “You won’t believe…” or “THIS is the result of…”. They sound very exciting, but they usually contain little information about what the content will actually be about, and if they do, it’s often a claim that is simply so ridiculous that we feel like we just have to click. Remember that free content is rare.
For the most part, the only people who truly want to give to us without getting anything in return are our friends and family – maybe a kind stranger, but definitely not a profitable business.
The best way to eliminate potential threats from good deals is to consider the motive. Ask yourself, “Why does this company want to give me a free vacation in exchange for clicking the link in their bio?” and you may find that, when you think about it, such a freebie would put any legitimate company out of business.
Step 3 – Be careful with social media
When we think of clickbait, we tend to think of magazine headlines and those all-too-familiar spam scams. Social media is a newer threat, and as such we may be less aware of it. But, like other media, social media platforms are notorious for clickbait – and it can even be hidden in the benign profiles of some of our most beloved influencers.
This is something to keep in mind when buying into a certain trend or when purchasing an endorsed product. Ultimately, we want to use social spaces for good – to connect and inspire – while still being aware that misusing them can be harmful.
Step 4 – Look for alternative sources
When reading a piece of information, try to find other sources that corroborate it to make sure it is content that can be trusted. Always make sure your second source is one that you already know is reputable for a surefire way to confirm that the information is reliable.
Unfortunately, it's becoming increasingly difficult to avoid clicking altogether, so it's a good idea to think about how you'll respond to such content if you happen to come across it. Consider ways you can verify the source of the content – and if you can't, think about how you can process and then disengage from the information you've been exposed to in a way that's healthy and safe for yourself and those around you.
Article published by Recipesforwellbeing.org