Clickbait. What is it and am I at risk?

If you saw a headline that read, “Eat This Superfood and Lose 25 Pounds in a Month!” would you be tempted to click on it?

Don’t worry - you’re not alone. Clickbait is designed to grab attention, spark curiosity, and drive traffic to a website. While some eye-catching headlines are misleading, others can be dangerous, leading to scams, malware, or stolen personal information.

How Clickbait Works

Clickbait thrives on emotional responses, often using exaggerated phrases like “You’ll Never Believe,” “Shocking,” “Exclusive,” or “Guaranteed.” These buzzwords trick people into clicking before they have time to think critically. Cybercriminals also use trending news or viral content to make their scams seem more believable.

To protect yourself from falling for clickbait, keep these key strategies in mind:

1. Think Before You Click

It is if a headline seems too dramatic, sensational, or unbelievable. Scammers know how to create viral content, including online quizzes and personality tests, to get people to engage. Before you click, ask yourself: Is this information from a trusted source?

2. Check the Link

Before clicking on a link, hover over it to see the URL. If the web address looks unfamiliar or suspicious or doesn’t match the expected source, avoid it. Fraudulent sites often mimic real ones to trick users into entering personal information.

3. Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive details—passwords, banking information, or Social Security numbers—with a site unless you’re sure it’s legitimate. If a website unexpectedly asks for personal data, it’s a red flag.

4. Be Cautious, Even With Friends

Scammers often use hacked social media accounts or phishing emails to impersonate people they know. If a message from a friend contains an unexpected link or seems out of character, reach out to them through another method before clicking.

5. Keep Your Devices Secure

Since online threats constantly evolve, install and update antivirus software to protect your computer and mobile devices. Many security programs include filters to block harmful websites and phishing attempts.

Strengthen Your Digital Awareness

Teaching yourself and your family how to navigate online content with a critical eye is essential in today’s digital world. Before clicking, ask yourself:

• Where will this link take me?
• Can this site be trusted?
• What is this website asking me to do?

Verify the information through a reputable news source before engaging if something seems suspicious. Developing these habits will help you avoid scams and make more intelligent choices online.