Here's What to Know About Clickbait: Effects of Image, Headline and Editing on Audience Attitudes. (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vultee, Fred; Burgess, G. Scott; Frazier, Darryl; Mesmer, Kelsey
• Is Part Of: Journalism practice. Volume 16:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Credibility -- editing -- headlines -- news practice -- objectivity -- value -- visual framing; Journalism -- Periodicals; 070.405
• DOI: 10.1080/17512786.2020.1793379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2786

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This experimental study examines responses to three features of news practice: headline style, selection of illustrations, and level of processing applied to the text. The strongest influence on perceptions of quality or credibility come from editing, though the use of stock illustrations has an independent effect on perceptions of writing quality, and the presence of editing also influences whether traditional or clickbait headlines are associated with better memory for story details. News use, Internet use, news source and field of study also influence outcomes.