Headlines: Headines Became My 'Heroin Dealer'

Remember when headlines told you what you were going to read in the article available? You’d open up the NY Times, glance over the headlines on the page, and stop where the headline told you the content would be of interest.

Then, progressive science took over.

Headlines today are crafted with a deep understanding of human psychology, often prioritizing the instant gratification of triggering a neurochemical response over conveying the full truth. They are designed to hit the brain’s “serotonin button,” exploiting our natural tendencies toward curiosity, fear, or excitement. This tactic, known as "clickbait," leverages our desire for instant rewards, making the headline itself more of a dopamine or serotonin trigger than a straightforward summary. As a result, readers may click on articles not because the headline accurately reflects the content, but because it promises a quick emotional payoff. This manipulation can distort the perception of reality, leading to a cycle of sensationalism where accuracy is secondary to engagement. -AI

Neuro-chemical response. Oh my!

A "neurochemical response" in the context of social media refers to the release of brain chemicals, like dopamine, triggered by positive social interactions on platforms like receiving a like, comment, or follow, which creates a feeling of pleasure and reward, potentially leading to increased engagement and even addictive behaviors on social media.

Let’s take a look…

She “survives?” Seriously? “No gaffes here?” Let me introduce you to our dealers from the street—the ones who got us hooked on the need for the headline to provide a rush, rather than a signpost of what it offered. They brought you this headline.

What should it have been, you ask? Oh, I don’t know. How about…

Harris’ First Sit-Down Interview Unveils Policy Positions.

Isn’t that what it should have been?

But to be fair to our addiction-loving selves, the second headline is like when your mother said, “We have apples for dessert,” so you excused yourself and went to Susan Sparrow’s house, where there was ice cream every night. We want what we want, and that rush from the first headline offers the possibility of that rise in rage that moves us when we think of the injustice of what could come if DT is elected again.

But, stay with me, there’s more. I know, I know. Don’t shoot the messenger.

This headline sent me to the dark side.

First of all, they are divorced. (Let’s not even mention here the reasons why they got divorced.)

But more importantly:

• Melinda Gates has an undergraduate degree in economics and an MBA—both from Duke University.

• She got her job at Microsoft (with no connections) as a marketing manager responsible for the development of multimedia products.

• She met Bill when he sat next to her at a meeting.

• She stopped working to raise their family and their foundation full-time.

• Warren Buffet, who has entrusted a substantial amount of his fortune to the foundation, said that Melinda is the reason it is the success that it is. She is the one who oversaw the enormous projects and knew the ins and outs of each of the initiatives.

• The $52 billion is not Bill’s money; it is her share of their joint assets acquired during the marriage.

Many of the headlines during the announcement had Bill’s name, not hers, in the titles. I would say ‘most’ of the headlines, but I am trying to learn not to exaggerate.

Let’s look at some of the headlines through history.

World War II is Over!

Kennedy Assassinated

Nelson Mandela Freed

Wall Street Crash!

The strategist comes out in me, and I think through the ‘why.’ Why is it only over the last twenty years that we have changed the way Headlines are in play?

The newspapers during World War II were not competing with thousands of other headlines in the same feed, seeking the click of a possible patron. Generally, they had a loyal following. Business people might subscribe to the NY Times or The Wall Street Journal. The union people in NYC, the NY Post, or the Daily News. And so it went.

Which of course leads us to ‘We the People.’

Our responsibility is to look at each headline, to recognize we need to go to AA and admit to our addiction to clickbait headlines. If the headline is clearly seeking that ‘rush’ we are all used to getting hundreds of times a day, skip the click.

Action Item: Perhaps in the comments if we say #SkippedTheClick because your headline is sensationalism. Give me a straight click and you might get my attention.

Imagine if 2 million Americans started #ISkippedTheClick all over social media. What would happen? They would have to change the method of getting our attention.

Oh, and while we are at it, isn’t it time to call out the editorial content that wouldn’t even give credit to Melinda herself for using her own money in the quest for a better country rather than a Mar-a-Lago estate she fills up with sycophants? Thank you Melinda Gates for your service, your treasure and your time that is dedicated to a better world.