Click Bait
The Urban Dictionary defines “click bait” as
An eyecatching link on a website which encourages people to read on. It is often paid for by the advertiser ("Paid" click bait) or generates income based on the number of clicks.
This Lent I’ve done my best to stay away from click bait, especially anything related to Donald Trump.
But it’s been hard. I may be able to stay away from the political sites, but what about the ones that show how the stars of yesterday look today, or how certain foods I like are actually bad for me, or how the old World War I sites are still deserted. Some promise humor, some appeal to my curiousity, others to my desire to have my mind blown, others to my desire to make the world more comprehensible and yet others to show me the wonders of cats. Usually there is a number in the headline so that I know there is an endpoint (“15 Reasons Click Bait is Mind-Blowingly Bad for You” is impossible to resist!)
One of the problems with click bait is that you know what it is and you click anyway.
“The difference with clickbait is you’re often aware of this manipulation, and yet helpless to resist it. It’s at once obvious in its bait-iness, and somehow still effective bait.” Bryan Gardiner, Wired
The dark underside to click bait is that often a gambling site will pop up or there will be porn sites advertised beside the site you’re looking at. Too often the site will try manipulate emotions of anger, outrage, hatred, lust or cynicism. Spam increases when you click on these sites. Racism, intolerance and fear tend to be stoked on these sites. The key question is, how do these sites make you feel? More afraid? More angry? More open to temptation?
So how does a Christian navigate the internet with all its clickbait in a way that honours Christ?
I came across Job 31:1-4 with its wise idea of making a covenant with my eyes
I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. For what is our lot from God above, our heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does he not see my ways and count my every step?
Setting intentional boundaries on what we look at can help us maintain purity of heart and mind. To be vigilant about not allowing potentially harmful websites on our computers is a positive spiritual discipline. Some have even taped Job 31:1 on their computer to remind them of the dangers that are present, especially with click bait.
Jesus calls us to love God with our heart, soul and mind. May the Lenten season give us the opportunity to take on new ways to do so as we deal with clickbait.