Clickbait

usgb/ˈklɪkbeɪt/
noun

Internet content titled to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page.

The website was flooded with clickbait articles to increase the number of page views.
Visual representation of "clickbait" - Internet content titled to attract attention and encourage visitors to click on a link to a particular web page

Often appears as...

  • clickbait headline
  • clickbait article

Usage tips

Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "clickbait"
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Catchy Deception

Clickbait often promises more exciting content than it delivers, misleading the reader.

Illustration for Catchy Deception
The headline 'You Won't Believe What Happened Next!' was just clickbait for a mundane story.
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Recognizing Clickbait

Identify clickbait by sensationalist phrases or over-the-top promises that create curiosity.

Illustration for Recognizing Clickbait
The article titled 'Doctors Hate Him for This One Trick' is an example of clickbait.
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Digital Literacy

Understanding clickbait is part of digital literacy, helping discern valuable content online.

Illustration for Digital Literacy
Learning about clickbait helped me avoid wasting time on trivial articles.
Visual representation of the word "Clickbait"

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