A brief commentary on how we can be entertained, manipulated or even seduced into trouble. Do you really have free will? The headline above, and many variations thereof, are all the rage in social media these days and companies using this technique are making millions from ad revenue once they entice you to visit their website. They are "hooks" to reel you in.
Politics, economy, national security. Boring. Hollywood drama, kittens and puppies, or optical illusions capture our attention. Attention for which there is massive competition. And mostly there is no harm, nothing illegal or unethical. Just highly effective advertising. Maybe wasted time online or letting outside companies get access to your internet interest, log in data or other vulnerabilities. It might also speak to our rabid need for stimulation and social interaction. But mainly it is our weakness for wanting to know "what's behind Door # 3?".
If you have read some of my other posts, you know the issue of self-control is a central principle. The next time you are tempted by this very effective style of headline, test it and see if you can resist. And especially if your "friends" are sharing it with you as if it is something you "have to see". Do you really have free will?
And finally, perhaps the rise in this style of advertising speaks to our need for, and appreciation of, anything that is inspirational, uplifting or just fun. Even though these are used as bait, we certainly can use more positive human interest stories. And videos of kittens playing.
Politics, economy, national security. Boring. Hollywood drama, kittens and puppies, or optical illusions capture our attention. Attention for which there is massive competition. And mostly there is no harm, nothing illegal or unethical. Just highly effective advertising. Maybe wasted time online or letting outside companies get access to your internet interest, log in data or other vulnerabilities. It might also speak to our rabid need for stimulation and social interaction. But mainly it is our weakness for wanting to know "what's behind Door # 3?".
If you have read some of my other posts, you know the issue of self-control is a central principle. The next time you are tempted by this very effective style of headline, test it and see if you can resist. And especially if your "friends" are sharing it with you as if it is something you "have to see". Do you really have free will?
And finally, perhaps the rise in this style of advertising speaks to our need for, and appreciation of, anything that is inspirational, uplifting or just fun. Even though these are used as bait, we certainly can use more positive human interest stories. And videos of kittens playing.
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