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Have you ever seen something that enrages you while scrolling on social media? What did you do? If you're like many others in this highly charged emotional state, you might have commented on the post or even shared it with a friend in outrage. It's not uncommon to see sensationalized, dramatic, and anger-inducing things online. However, it's important to realize that it's often intentional.
This ploy to increase engagement on social media and drive revenue for ads is known as rage-baiting. In this guide, you'll find out more about what exactly it entails, why it's negative, and how you can help combat it.
Curious to learn more about rage-baiting? Click through now.
Rage-baiting is when online content creators record videos, produce members, or even write posts with the intent of making other users extremely angry.
Clickbait and rage-baiting are different things though they might sound similar. Click-bait is when a headline is used to entice a reader to click on a video or article, while rage-baiting is specifically designed to be manipulative.
When content creators purposefully design content to be manipulative it is ethically questionable. They are doing this to encourage users to comment thereby increasing their engagement, and ultimately, the money they're earning.
Content creators make money by allowing companies to advertise with them on different social media platforms. Companies naturally want to advertise with the most popular influencers. In other words, the content creators who receive the greatest number of likes, shares, and comments on their content are the chosen ones.
Algorithms play a significant role in rage-baiting as they are designed not only to prioritize but also to amplify content that maximizes user engagement.
Research suggests that people are much more likely to engage with content online if they are angry compared to any other emotion.
One method of rage-baiting is the use of sensational headlines. These headlines are crafted in ways that provoke a strong emotional response, such as outrage.
Rage-baiting can also selectively report things that might be out of context in order to misrepresent events or people.
Rage-baiters will exploit tight-knit online communities by reinforcing shared beliefs about controversial content. This further promotes an "us" versus "them" mentality.
If, for example, you see something cute like a small dog, you might say "Hey that dog was cute," and then you'll continue scrolling. However, if someone is doing or saying something awful, you might stop to comment "This is awful," in the comments.
Rage-baiting truly undermines trust in journalism as it prioritizes sensationalism over factual reporting. Audiences who engage with content may become wary and wonder if a source is even reputable.
Rage-baiting will often pit opponents against one another and further the already present division. Instead of promoting open and safe dialogue, it can further fear and hostility.
Constant or frequent exposure to rage-inducing content has the possibility of leading to stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Rage-baiting encourages emotionally charged outbursts and responses instead of thoughtful and constructive debate.
Social media platforms can play a huge role in minimizing rage-baiting. They could down-rank inflammatory posts while promoting verified information.
Those who produce content have an ethical responsibility to report and deliver content that is truthful. Manipulating narratives for clicks is harmful and dangerous.
Advertisers will often incentivize rage-baiting by paying ad revenue for high engagement rates. This can motivate content creators to act in good faith.
Education is your strongest tool in identifying and avoiding rage-baiting tactics and tricks. The following four tips will help prepare you for being an informed content reader.
Your strongest tool to combat rage-baiting is a refusal to engage in it. If you spot something with controversial content, avoid clicking, commenting, or sharing it.
If you feel a pull to engage with potentially-rage-inducing content be sure to focus and remain calm while providing sound arguments backed with factual information.
Work to amplify positive, factual voices in your network and community. When you can, share uplifting and inspiring stories and posts to counter the incendiary content out there.
To reduce exposure to rage bait, try limiting your time on the platforms and accounts that allow and even promote such content.
Rage-baiting is used in politics specifically to polarize voters through emotionally charged narratives. Additionally, politicians and content creators will try to focus your attention on the negative instead of what can be done.
Over time, if not addressed appropriately, rage-baiting could continue to foster a negative culture filled with outrage. Sensationalism might become the new normal.
Educators are one building block in teaching kids media literacy. Parents also should teach kids how to exist positively in digital spaces and avoid being manipulated.
Readers choose what they read and engage with. Do your best to support reputable sources and creators who promote accuracy and integrity over rage-baiting you.
Content creators and platforms should come together to design algorithms that prioritize healthier engagement. Transparency and accountability are the keys here.
Sources: (LinkedIn) (Daily Citizen) (BBC)
See also: How to spend less time on social media and more time enjoying life
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LIFESTYLE Social media
Have you ever seen something that enrages you while scrolling on social media? What did you do? If you're like many others in this highly charged emotional state, you might have commented on the post or even shared it with a friend in outrage. It's not uncommon to see sensationalized, dramatic, and anger-inducing things online. However, it's important to realize that it's often intentional.
This ploy to increase engagement on social media and drive revenue for ads is known as rage-baiting. In this guide, you'll find out more about what exactly it entails, why it's negative, and how you can help combat it.
Curious to learn more about rage-baiting? Click through now.