Here’s an example: “Humanity May Reach Singularity Within Just 6 Years, Trend Shows.”
At the end of the article, the author acknowledges:
Although this is a novel approach to quantifying how close humanity is to approaching singularity, this definition of singularity runs into similar problems of identifying AGI more broadly. And while perfecting human speech is certainly a frontier in AI research, the impressive skill doesn’t necessarily make a machine intelligent (not to mention how many researchers_ don’t even agree_ on what “intelligence” is).
“The impressive skill doesn’t necessarily make a machine intelligent.”
You think?
Got me to click once….not again. I can’t see myself reading many more Popular Mechanics articles if they persist on click-bait headlines.
As I see it, the problem isn’t Popular Mechanics writing headlines like this so much as it’s that people click on them. If they didn’t, no one would write them.
Actually, the bigger problem might be the people who don’t click on them, but who then repeat them as if they’re fact.
Funny that you mention this, since several of your posts on this forum have (IMHO) click-bait titles, which caused me to not read them. Only by accident I later discovered that you copied titles from articles that you share in such posts… (and did not write them yourself or let AI do that?)
Although, to be honest, I would call the title of this post click-bait as well…
It’s often the case that article writers don’t write the headlines and even sub-headings: traditionally, in print, a (sub-)editor does that. While an editor does check for things like typos, his/her main job is to layout the publication or section to keep the reader reading, and to ensure that paid advertisers get what they want: proximity to interesting and where possible relevant content.
There are lots of techniques for all this, including headline writing. That is not only about informing the reader in a few words about the content and tone of the article, but reflecting the publication’s style and (maybe) humour as well as any political or other stance.
That black art has morphed as things have moved online. It’s “click-bait” simply because now there is direct monetary value to clicks and views. In print it was about framing an issue or the content (you can almost always tell what the headline writer wants your reaction and opinion to be), keeping you reading and ideally getting the story talked about round the water cooler so that you buy the publication again next time and it can charge more for advertising.
The issue with many print publications is that the bottom has dropped out of that market. They are increasingly desperate to get revenue any way they can and so can’t afford to be subtle about it any more, or at least that’s what they feel. It’s a vicious circle - alienate readers and you’ll lose even more, but the temptation to be shrill and loud, especially as there is so much of that about elsewhere, is understandable.
I’m sorry if the titles I copy and paste from published articles that I think the forum will find interesting come across as “click-bait.” My intent is only to share articles of interest to stimulate discussion.
As to the title of this post, it was merely intended to express my reaction to click-baity titles, that is all. I’m open to suggestions on how to write better post titles for published articles of interest.
I understand that completely. Creating enticing, “grab-your-attention” headlines is perfectly legitimate. There is no value in writing boring headlines.
My reaction may have been too harsh, but what I object to are headlines that don’t reflect the substance and conclusion of the article. In my estimation, the Popular Mechanics title and the substance and conclusion of the article were far afield from each other.
I used to read Popular Mechanics in the late 50’s and early 60’s and there was shady journalism then as well . Actually seemed pretty prevalent in most special interest magazines. Anything to make a buck. Now it’s with clickbait instead of fantastic magazine covers and paid articles.
