click-bait
Curiosity-exploiting headline
Click-bait is online content designed to entice clicks through sensational or misleading headlines: You won't believe what happened next!
The term is usually derogatory, implying the content fails to deliver on its headline's promise.
As an adjective: click-bait headlines, click-bait tactics.
Also spelled clickbait.
Creating false impressions
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
- sensationalizedMade more shocking than warranted
- exaggeratedMade larger than reality
distorted · misinformation · disingenuous · manufactured · fabricated · calculated · scheming · cunning
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
outrageous · alarmist · sensational · melodramatic · overblown · inflammatory · lurid · shocking
Arousing desire or interest
- alluringPowerfully appealing
- irresistibleImpossible to withstand
- captivatingDeeply holding one's attention
- teaserSomething that piques interest
hook · lure · intriguing · compelling · tantalizing · provocative · attention-grabbing · eye-catching
News article title
- thumbnailReduced preview image
- listicleNumbered-item article format
- slideshowSequential visual display
- quizBrief informal test
poll · autoplay · popup · notification · preview · snippet · caption · above-the-fold
Sights or stances
- impressionsEffects on the mind
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- trafficMovement along routes
- conversionAct of changing states
monetization · algorithm · viral · trending · shareability · reach · analytics · CTR
deceptive
Creating false impressions
- misleadingCausing false beliefs
- exploitativeUnfairly using others' vulnerabilities
- sensationalizedMade more shocking than warranted
exaggerated · distorted · misinformation · disingenuous · manufactured · fabricated · calculated · scheming · cunning · underhanded
hype
Exaggerated promotional fanfare
- tabloidSensationalist newspaper format
- scandalDisgraceful public affair
- hyperboleRhetorical extreme exaggeration
gossip · outrageous · alarmist · sensational · melodramatic · overblown · inflammatory · lurid · shocking · dramatic
tempting
Arousing desire or interest
- alluringPowerfully appealing
- irresistibleImpossible to withstand
- captivatingDeeply holding one's attention
teaser · hook · lure · intriguing · compelling · tantalizing · provocative · attention-grabbing · eye-catching · must-see
headline
News article title
- thumbnailReduced preview image
- listicleNumbered-item article format
- slideshowSequential visual display
quiz · poll · autoplay · popup · notification · preview · snippet · caption · above-the-fold
views
Sights or stances
- impressionsEffects on the mind
- engagementCommitment to wed or attend
- trafficMovement along routes
conversion · monetization · algorithm · viral · trending · shareability · reach · analytics · CTR
click-baitjournalism
News gathering and dissemination
investigative journalism · hard news · ethical journalism · responsible journalism · news
click-baitin-depth analysis
Thorough detailed examination
in-depth reporting · deep dive · educational content · scholarly article · original research