What is the main purpose of “clickbait” headlines?

The main purpose of clickbait headlines is to attract as many viewers as possible. These headlines are designed to create curiosity and draw readers in by using sensational language or posing intriguing questions, often exaggerating the content of the article. This strategy is effective in generating high traffic to websites, as people are compelled to click on these headlines out of curiosity or the desire to discover more about the subject.

While summarizing news articles accurately, enhancing credibility, or providing exclusive content may be important in journalism, they do not align with the primary intention of clickbait, which centers around capturing audience attention rather than delivering a clear and honest representation of the article's content. Clickbait frequently prioritizes engagement over accuracy or depth, leading readers to sometimes feel misled after engaging with the content.