Click-bait works, and it’s annoying. It causes a waste of time and the gathering of useless information. So even though we know it wastes our time and assists to the procrastination of homework, why do we fall for the bait and click on it? Here are the top 11 reasons why click-bait works.
1. The title is always shocking.
By making the article about something ridiculous, you’ll be more likely to click on it. And honestly, that’s all they want from the reader. Whether or not you enjoyed the article doesn't matter, as long as you looked at it for a little bit, they will be happy. Titles can include: “You Won’t Believe These Nine Foods That Are Killing You,” “Robert Was Having A Normal Day Until This Meteor Decided Otherwise” and “You Could Be The Worst Human Ever And Not Know It, Look At This List To Confirm.”
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2. They are very shareable.
If click-bait wasn’t so easy to share, then it wouldn’t actually work. As long as there is an audience willing to share the information, then there is a reason to write the click-bait article.
3. The information is not here for the long haul.
It will only be popular for the amount of time it takes you to share it, then it doesn’t matter. It’s all about getting those quick clicks while you are on a break at work or procrastinating doing your homework. It doesn’t need a shelf life.
4. Size isn’t everything.
Click-bait is all about being brief.
5. A gullible audience is an easy audience
Even if it seems like nonsense, there will be a click-bait article about it if there is anyone gullible enough to read it.
6. There are no ethics!
You do whatever it takes to get those clicks, no matter what the cost is to your readers' brain cell count.
7. Is it strange? Then it’s click-worthy.
Find the story that seems mildly odd. Present it as being out-of-this-world different. Then watch people click on your post.
8. Number eight will never surprise you.
They always tell you that you will be shocked by the information you will find in the article, but honestly, it’s probably all things you have heard before. But the idea of new information is so enticing that you can’t pass up the opportunity to learn something new about something useless. They usually reference around number eight with the "OMG" fact, because by this point, you’ve looked through enough posts, and they are getting plenty of advertisement dollars.
9. All about the next fad.
You know that new rainbow highlighter that’s been all over Instagram lately? Well, everyone writing a clickbait article does. These writers find the new fads that individuals are curious about and aim whatever they are writing directly at them. Which leads me to the next point...
10. Curiosity is key.
Even if what you are writing about is super obvious, like “The Sun Is Hot,” if you can make people more curious about the topic, they are bound to click on it. Like, “OMG The Sun Did It Again.” You can still talk about the heat of the sun, but now there is an air of curiosity.
11. Quantity beats quality.
Click-bait isn’t Shakespeare. It is the penny-saver of the online media world. However, there is a lot of it, which is all that is needed.
In conclusion, click-bait is awful. And even knowing this, I will still click on the next article that tells me “7 WTF Study Tips That ACTUALLY Work!” when I am procrastinating studying for finals. Be stronger than me, my friends. Even if resistance seems futile.
