The Reason I Won't Write Listicles Will Shock You
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Reason I Won't Write Listicles Will Shock You

Clickbait journalism thrives on clickbait lists, and I don't want to contribute to that mindset.

32
The Reason I Won't Write Listicles Will Shock You
free-stock-illustration.com

The term "clickbait" has been around for a while now: an online article that baits you with the title to get clicks, thus generating the site money. They're fairly easy to spot - they claim that a list of things will shock you (especially number 5!); or you just won't believe how so-and-so has changed since their role as so-and-so; or that some profession will hate you for the secrets they will tell you. Even without the shock factor, it's still tempting to click that "(insert number) ways you can overcome motion sickness/homesickness/friendlessness" article, and most of the time has some picture of something totally unrelated to the subject. Sometimes it looks so intriguing I just have to click, and then I'm disappointed with myself for giving poorly laid out sites my attention (and money because of ads), as well as disappointed I didn't really learn how to overcome motion sickness. This is why I won't write listicles.

A "listicle" on Odyssey is an article combined with a list. It's an article in the sense that it's something an Odyssey content creator writes for the site, but its really just a list of things, most of the time with pictures and/or gifs. The title is always in the format of "50 reasons to love your boyfriend," or something similar.

While it garners interest and clicks and attention, I refuse to be even more a part of the clickbait journalism than I already am. Even Odyssey titles are often similar, and they are almost never in the style of actual news headlines.

My theory on this is that Odyssey and other clickbait websites don't actually generate news. They generate opinions. Number 7 on a list being shocking(!) is opinion. Reasons you should love your boyfriend are opinion. Personal reactions and hatred toward the presidential candidates is opinion. I don't think I've seen a popular news article on Odyssey, and I'm certain that clickbait gets more attention, because then reading the article is the only way to get attention. News articles give the information in the title.

I won't write any listicles because they are what keeps poor quality self-proclaimed "journalism" to thrive - journalism that doesn't bring news, doesn't do anything investigative, and most of the time doesn't even bring well thought out opinions or arguments. Clickbait journalism only survives because of clickbait, and I'm not going to contribute to that even more.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

43374
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

27274
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952205
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

144781
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments