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Merriam-Webster defines clickbait as: something (such as a headline) designed to make readers want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to co

Merriam-Webster defines clickbait as: something (such as a headline) designed to make readers want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to content of dubious value or interest In this case the headline (from the Mississippi Free Press) is paraphrasing a quote from MSMA President Dr. Mark Horne. The paraphrasing agrees with the quote in context and does not appear to be designed to exaggerate or sensationalize the facts being reported. Here's the relevant section of the article: The state’s top health official urged even Mississippians who are having small holiday gatherings to observe 6 feet of social distancing and to hold the gatherings outdoors, where the chance of transmission is lower. “We don’t really want to see Mamaw at Thanksgiving and bury her by Christmas,” MSMA President Dr. Mark Horne said during the meeting, concurring with the state health officer. “We’re going to see some of that. It’s going to happen,” Dobbs replied. Horne agreed. “It’s going to happen. You’re going to say hi at Thanksgiving, it’s so nice to see you, and you’re either going to be visiting her by Facetime in the ICU or planning a small funeral by Christmas,” the MSMA president said. Full article here: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/7014/after-big-thanksgiving-dinners-plan-small-christmas-funerals-health-experts-warn/ https://www.mississippifreepress.org/7014/after-big-thanksgi...

giantg2 6y ago
The key difference is that the quote is saying that we will see some of that, but the headline is implying that it is universal due to it's absolute tone. It would be like me saying if you drink alcohol, plan on being an alcoholic. It's true that we see some of that, but it's not the case for everyone.
- ihumanable 6y ago
  I think the better analogy, if we want to use alcohol, is a headline saying "If you drink and drive get ready to crash or be arrested." Of course there are plenty of people that will drink and drive and not crash or be arrested. Not a great warning / deterrent though. "Drink and drive and statistically increase your chances of crashing or being caught by law enforcement" is technically more correct, but I don't think we would be having an argument over the signs on the highway that simplify the message.
  - giantg2 6y ago
    Well, the signs on the road are intended to be government propaganda, whereas journalism is supposed be more neutral fact reporting. I went with the alcoholism analogy because it is a health issue, like covid is. They both have somewhat unknown triggers, mostly genetic, and actions can initiate the problem actions but not ultimately determine the problem will occur. The analogy you are using is mostly decision based, and not based on genetics or health.

giantg2 6y ago

The key difference is that the quote is saying that we will see some of that, but the headline is implying that it is universal due to it's absolute tone. It would be like me saying if you drink alcohol, plan on being an alcoholic. It's true that we see some of that, but it's not the case for everyone.

ihumanable 6y ago
I think the better analogy, if we want to use alcohol, is a headline saying "If you drink and drive get ready to crash or be arrested." Of course there are plenty of people that will drink and drive and not crash or be arrested. Not a great warning / deterrent though. "Drink and drive and statistically increase your chances of crashing or being caught by law enforcement" is technically more correct, but I don't think we would be having an argument over the signs on the highway that simplify the message.
- giantg2 6y ago
  Well, the signs on the road are intended to be government propaganda, whereas journalism is supposed be more neutral fact reporting. I went with the alcoholism analogy because it is a health issue, like covid is. They both have somewhat unknown triggers, mostly genetic, and actions can initiate the problem actions but not ultimately determine the problem will occur. The analogy you are using is mostly decision based, and not based on genetics or health.