Clickbait has been a controversial subject for a while now. Merriam-Webster defines it as “something (such as a headline) designed to make readers want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to
However, clickbait is not exactly new. Any one of us who has seen a newspaper can remember a headline intended for us to pick up and read the newspaper; that’s what the writers want. The more people consume their content, the more they make. Simple enough.
The problem begins to appear when content creators are on the side of dishonesty with their titles and thumbnails. Many content creators, for example, will upload prank videos with “GONE SEXUAL” or “IN THE HOOD” at the end of the title — but it didn't occur "in the hood" or "got sexual" at all. Even if these things did happen, they are seen as unnecessary and childish. When thumbnails start representing things that never happen in the video, while, in addition, having a title that gives little to no information about the video rather than trying to convince the average viewer to watch it, and finally fails to deliver on quality, then viewers become frustrated and the creator makes money anyway.
Other YouTubers, such as LeafyIsHere, use what could be considered
These sorts of habits have led to a new standard for titles on YouTube being often in all capital letters and implying a dire situation that is likely overexaggerating things. It may make things interesting, but it can also be difficult to find content that is actually worth watching and at the end of the day, that is what most of us seek.
Marco Omta is a sophomore studying music production. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Do you often fall for clickbait? Email Marco at mo183714@ohio.edu.