The Cost of Clicks: how thumbnails encourage misleading and hate news consumption From “Ab Hoga Khel” to “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai”: the quest for engagement prioritizes sensationalism by using ‘!’ and ‘?’, leading to a rise in misleading news and toxic narratives in viewers' minds at the cost of fact, truth and reality
29, Oct 2024 | Aman Khan
In today’s digital landscape, especially on YouTube channels, thumbnails serve as the first impression of online content, wielding the power to shape perceptions in an instant. However, many thumbnails are crafted with a dangerous agenda, prioritising the ‘click of the mouse’ over truth. Eye-catching visuals often lure viewers into a web of misleading narratives and hate-driven rhetoric, particularly around burning topics like supremacy, religion and other ‘social issues’. These sensational images transform the quest for engagement into a perilous game of misinformation. As sensationalism reigns supreme, the line between fact and fiction blurs, fostering a culture of division and fear. This exploration of thumbnails reveals how they manipulate emotions, encouraging the consumption of hateful and misleading content for profit.
The distinction between the themes of thumbnails and the actual content of video is stark, often serving merely as a trigger to provoke viewers into clicking on sensational videos. This tactic exploits ongoing, contentious issues that evoke curiosity and generate excitement among audiences. Thumbnails designed to capture attention ask questions like, “What will happen next?” This psychological appeal plays into a fundamental human tendency to seek out information about impending developments (and often, accompanied by a sense of apprehension, or doom).
Media channels compete fiercely to deliver the latest updates, often prioritizing sensationalism over accuracy.
For example, when gangster Atiq Ahmad was transferred from Gujarat to Uttar Pradesh in Umesh Pal murder case, media outlets sensationalised the event with dramatic thumbnails reading “Encounter” or “Accident,” creating an atmosphere of anticipation.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/zCIOkJVgJBk?si=afQvPRSXq-eq9bgQ
From “Ab Hoga Khel” to “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai,” the pursuit of engagement in Indian media has increasingly prioritised sensationalism, leveraging eye-catching punctuation like exclamation marks and question marks. This strategy aims to captivate viewers, often at the expense of truth. As headlines grow more dramatic, they foster an environment ripe for misleading news and toxic narratives. Thumbnails designed to grab attention can misrepresent the actual content, leading to a cycle of misinformation. In this race for views, media outlets often harvest hate and divisive content, exacerbating communal and social tensions.
The lure of sensationalism
The YouTube media environment is a bustling arena where competition for viewer attention is fierce. In this race, headlines have transformed into clickbait, carefully crafted to provoke emotional responses rather than inform. The use of punctuation marks like exclamation points and question marks has become a hallmark of this sensationalism. A simple headline can shift from informative to inflammatory with just a few strategic characters.
Take, for instance, the phrase “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai” (Something Big Is Going to Happen), this phrase evokes curiosity and anticipation, especially for J&K reporting and the issue involves communal agenda. It draws viewers in, promising excitement or drama. When paired with an exclamation mark, the urgency escalates, making it almost impossible for viewers to scroll past without clicking. But what lies behind these headlines often falls short of the promises made, leaving viewers with distorted narratives that can shape their beliefs and attitudes in harmful ways.
Reporting of Bahraich violence
Pertinently, during the recent Bahraich violence, YouTube news channels of several media houses resorted to inflammatory and provocative thumbnails, effectively sensationalising the events to create a dramatic climax. Phrases like “100 Ghanto Main… Encounter Ke Baad, Force Ne Ghera Pura Bahraich! Bhage Musalman! Bhayankar Action Shuru” dominated their narratives, casting the incident in a sensational light that fueled fear and division. Further inflammatory headlines, such as “Bahraich Hinsa par Yogi ka tagda aylaan, sunte hi kamp uthe ‘Musalman’!”, served to criminalize a particular community, reinforcing harmful Islamic stereotypes and framing the narrative as a government versus Muslim conflict.
This approach not only misrepresents the complexity of the situation but also positions UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as a savior figure in the face of alleged threats. Media coverage linked various incidents—from the Durga Puja pandal dispute to the murder of Ram Gopal Mishra and the arrests of suspects—using hate-filled thumbnails to garner mass viewership through sensationalism. By prioritising provocative imagery and sensational headlines, these channels contribute to a divisive atmosphere that undermines community cohesion.
Thumbnails:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/JFt7lrJU6dw?si=5eHeBS6XNlT7MRil
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/80TIOrOTCcQ?si=0KL8V6fIJlc40spw
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/r5_AysKMOZY?si=0-CRcTP6uTqqADoq
How the Waqf board law was analysed
YouTube news channels have manipulated the Waqf Amendment Bill, framing it as a communal battle that amplifies Muslim concerns about its potential consequences. Major media houses have exploited this sensitive issue by using provocative thumbnails featuring banners of the Waqf Board and images of Muslims protesting, effectively narrating a narrative of government versus Muslims. This sensational approach oversimplifies a complex legal issue, overshadowing the genuine concerns of the community with a polarized view.
The subsequent introduction of thumbnails promoting the “Santan Board” as a competing entity further blurs the importance of the amendment in its legal and contextual sense. By reducing a nuanced discussion to a sensationalised spectacle, these channels contribute to an atmosphere of division and fear, undermining the constructive dialogue needed to address the implications of the Waqf Amendment Bill. This manipulation detracts from the real stakes involved, distorting public perception and perpetuating communal tensions.
Thumbnails:
Link: https://youtu.be/cVkeEdN6xnI?si=s7Iv49EKFCGKjtBn
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/rwh_wE8TQ6w?si=TwutaSpz_9C_4wbn
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/akyznFPS9Qo?si=hvUldxA5BSUmqKzL
Link: https://youtu.be/VyK6nQ_hSUw?si=1IMMU3KLmtNdks_g
Insensitivity in reporting J&K news
The use of thumbnails for reporting, particularly concerning Jammu and Kashmir, has become increasingly insensitive and sensationalised, exploiting the region’s struggles with terrorism and other basic necessities in rural areas, for ratings and viewership. As Jammu and Kashmir grapples with ongoing terror attacks that significantly impact the lives of its residents, it is disheartening to see journalists and anchors using these life and death issues as mere fodder for TRP-driven programming.
Many reports on the situation in J&K lack factual context and credible sources, further contributing to a distorted narrative. Sensational thumbnails on platforms like YouTube—such as “Kashmir Main Kuch Bada Bone Wala Hain,” “High alert,” and “Bada Khatra”—illustrate this troubling trend. These phrases not only exaggerate the situation but also foster unnecessary fear and anxiety among viewers.
Moreover, the inclusion of unrelated figures, such as UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in headlines about Kashmir, adds to both the confusion and sensationalism. A thumbnail proclaiming “Kashmir Main Yogi-Shah! Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hain” exemplifies how media channels prioritise clicks over responsible reporting.
This relentless pursuit of sensationalism often features alarming visuals, such as bombs and gunfire, to evoke dramatic imagery in viewers’ minds, disregarding the sensitivity required when discussing the real lives affected by such terror activities. By sensationalising these issues, media houses not only undermine their credibility but also show a blatant disregard for the lives and struggles of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Thumbnails:
Link: https://youtu.be/BJgx6hAb_yo?si=WoIDqUaofYdccoA3
Link: https://youtu.be/jpbnR-_A_lM?si=g6QD4MTgaYKdEjET
Link: https://youtu.be/FGbSBnqk6Xc?si=RwR0V8sE4Wf2Bv9T
Link: https://youtu.be/X8gCL-ns6v0?si=d1z4qXBgWucItHYf
Link: https://youtu.be/WQdByDzh2Bs?si=5-zJOYOzX9YuyLgB
Link: https://youtu.be/1DaCKrQydY0?si=VBEbnb1taEzcfXoH
Baba Siddiqui murder and sensational thumbnails
In the current media landscape, misleading thumbnails have proliferated, particularly surrounding the tensions circulated on media between Bollywood actor Salman Khan and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
Headlines like “Salman Khan Apologizes to Lawrence Bishnoi” and “Salman Met Lawrence in Jail” attempt to create a dramatic climax to their ongoing saga, often sensationalizing the narrative without factual basis. Other thumbnails suggest absurd scenarios, such as Lawrence “catching” Salman or claiming Yogi Adityanath has launched 5,000 commandos to apprehend him.
Further sensationalism includes claims that Bishnoi will donate a gold crown to the Ram Mandir to garner sympathy from devotees, or that Salman is fleeing to Dubai to evade Bishnoi’s wrath. There are also wild suggestions of a settlement happening in Sabarmati or that Bishnoi is poised to win an election in Mumbai. In an even darker twist, thumbnails hint at Lawrence being killed, adding to the sensational nature of these narratives.
Such thumbnails, used by multiple prominent media houses, are often devoid of substance and context. They prioritise clicks over accuracy, fueling misinformation and contributing to a climate of fear and confusion among viewers.
Thumbnails:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/Qj5iK16ejfE?si=BIGEENXeJ8m9wkM-
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/vYGaYxEXvRo?si=N-Vf40yVhKrHqc1b
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/4AVy_3hMNGE?si=j_e2sSrqMbAbRF7S
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/YjjkxPFKyyw?si=43g64sQLoRXdnzvj
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/2_XfTCc5IZc?si=ehYGNLO-8I-6MTiU
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/V815BHS_7Kc?si=Out0I3VhQXKzwea0
Link: https://youtube.com/post/UgkxDWyRlittS8DXonMvJWOiDrXkqEWUrTBK?si=ioCxML7OVQ0HpWbu
Link: https://youtube.com/post/UgkxDWyRlittS8DXonMvJWOiDrXkqEWUrTBK?si=ioCxML7OVQ0HpWbu
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/niSOYgZedCg?si=1VG2e7blB9VYb_Dj
Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand Mosques Dispute
In September 2024, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand experienced unexpected communal tensions stemming from disputes and protests over the alleged construction of mosques in Sanjauli (Shimla), Mandi, Kullu, and Uttarkashi. During this volatile period, YouTube channels largely chose to emphasise agenda-driven and communal hate thumbnails like “Land Jihad” “Hindu Jag Gaya”, again “Kuch Bada Hone Wala hai”, which tainted the factual context of these sensitive issues. Instead of advocating for peace and harmony in the affected areas, these channels leveraged sensationalism to attract views, disregarding their responsibility as major news platforms.
With millions of viewers relying on these channels for information, the decision to use inflammatory thumbnails has the potential to escalate tensions further, breeding misinformation and hatred among interfaith communities. Rather than fostering understanding and dialogue, the focus on sensational headlines exacerbates divisions. As media outlets have a crucial role in shaping public perception, it is imperative that they exercise caution and sensitivity in their reporting. Responsible journalism should prioritize factual accuracy and promote community harmony, especially in times of heightened conflict of communal issues.
Thumbnails:
Link: https://youtu.be/o2nYfBiECcM?si=YlMC0fHzMWuaAKKJ
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWwCBHWHQO8&pp=ygUTSU5ESUEgVFYgbGFuZCBqaWhhZA%3D%3D
Link: https://youtu.be/JMqNnlwo610?si=hStAi93bPO8bnEwL
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaJpJF7knTA
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1mrZtW5heg
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttXrRxGot_w
Thumbnails for Uniform Civil Code
While the implementation of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) affects every religious denomination, the issue is often singularly focussed on the ‘Muslim reaction.’ For example, a Times Now anchor focused an entire program on what Muslims would supposedly lose with a UCC enforcement. The introduction and thumbnail prominently featured religious symbols and imagery, framing the narrative to suggest that the UCC is designed to curtail the special rights of Muslims compared to other citizens. This portrayal implies that the justification for implementing the UCC hinges solely on limiting the rights of a particular community, rather than discussing the issue in general perspective. Such a skewed representation not only misleads viewers but also fosters division by creating an atmosphere of fear and misunderstanding around the UCC’s intentions. In this context, sensationalism overshadows the broader discussions around the UCC, ultimately distorting public perception and dialogue around a crucial legislative issue.
Thumbnails:
Link: https://youtu.be/bl30OoFtK58?si=L72k0TBvJ1gk9a42
Link: https://youtu.be/VeYGGdPveSU?si=8PCQ7faKFUxJ7rx7
Link: https://youtu.be/2371gEjEyig?si=gN4z6Oy2dYITtSBE
Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/h-gZzZ-fkSQ?si=lySZ7GfvrnhdAhD4
Link: https://youtu.be/BpYKKWeOb54?si=6HsCuDltN6CooKGb
YouTube’s Thumbnail policy
Under YouTube’s “Thumbnail Policy,” it is explicitly stated that thumbnails and other images violating the platform’s Community Guidelines are prohibited. This policy encompasses all visual elements, including those used in banners, avatars, community posts, and other features.
YouTube has made it clear that users can report thumbnails or images that breach these guidelines through established reporting procedures. By encouraging active user participation in monitoring content, YouTube empowers its community to help maintain a safer online environment.
However, the responsibility doesn’t solely lie with users; YouTube must also enhance its moderation efforts and algorithms to proactively identify and remove misleading and harmful thumbnails before they reach a wider audience. By prioritising the enforcement of its policies and promoting responsible content creation, YouTube can significantly reduce the impact of sensationalism and misinformation on its platform, fostering a more informed and respectful discourse.
YouTube’s Thumbnail Policy provides that;
Don’t post a thumbnail or other image on YouTube if it shows:
- Pornographic imagery
- Sexual acts, the use of sex toys, fetishes, or other sexually gratifying imagery
- Nudity, including genitals
- Imagery that depicts unwanted sexualization
- Violent imagery that intends to shock or disgust
- Graphic or disturbing imagery with blood or gore
- Vulgar or lewd language
- A thumbnail that misleads viewers to think they’re about to view something that’s not in the video
Although, the above list isn’t complete.
Despite these stated guidelines, sensationalism bordering on targeted hate, persists. The quest for clicks on YouTube channels has transformed the media landscape into one where sensationalism reigns supreme, often at the expense of truth and integrity. Thumbnails designed to provoke curiosity and generate excitement frequently misrepresent actual content, leading viewers down a path of misleading narratives and hate-driven rhetoric. Phrases like “Kuch Bada Hone Wala Hai” capture attention but fail to deliver on their negative promises, distorting perceptions around critical issues such as communal tensions and social unrest. This relentless pursuit of engagement encourages the consumption of inflammatory content, exacerbating divisions within society.
Therefore, it is imperative for YouTube and media channels to take a stand against provocative and harmful digital content. They must prioritise the removal of insensitive thumbnails, especially concerning sensitive issues, and commit to responsible journalism that fosters informed discourse rather than sensationalism. By doing so, media outlets can help restore trust, promote social harmony, and contribute to a healthier public dialogue—one that values truth over clicks.
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