TechRadar not only uses the headline to imply that everything about Age of Empires 4 has been revealed, but they reinforce it by writing “We have all the information on gameplay, civilizations, campaigns, combat,” etc.
Then they go on to admit that although there are 8 civilizations to play at launch, Microsoft has only revealed 4 of them…
Again, a minor example, but a real-world one that typifies how headlines frequently mislead us.
Clickbait sucks. It’s also a tragic necessity.
If you or someone you know complains about clickbait, you can thank things like Google’s search algorithm. Honestly, none of the writers I’ve ever spoken to want to craft clickbait headlines. They want to frame their story with a clear and sometimes clever title. They don’t want to use negativity. They don’t want to use ALL-CAPS or consult a list of 120+ power words that spark (mostly negative, because that’s what we react to the strongest) emotions in their readers.
But it works. And it works because Google rewards it. It works because these are the results you’re presented with, and Google has made search so convenient.
It works because we’re clicking those damn headlines, aren’t we?
I need to nuke and pave my news feeds.
I’m not suggesting some dramatic, sweeping boycott of major news outlets. I’m just seeking a new solution for myself, and wanted to ask for YOUR recommendations!
For far too long I’ve been reliant on Google – and not independent voices – for my tech and game news.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: I’ve been passive and lazy.
So it’s time to nuke and pave. This probably means not only ditching that reliance on Google, but also ditching the tech I’m using to read the news. Maybe some carefully curated RSS feeds? Maybe it’s a subscription or two to some quality newsletters.
🎤 Tell me what platforms you utilize to get your tech news. Who are your favorite writers? Your favorite newsletters? Any RSS feed collections you love? It’s as easy as hitting “REPLY” to this email, or by sending an email to “linuxforeveryone@pm.me”