Clickbait Crisis: Manufactured Outrage

 Clickbait alert... click bate alert.....

The so-called “clickbait” letters published lately are spiraling out of control getting worse by the week. Many don’t even reflect reality, instead inventing issues designed to pull at the heartstrings and create outrage. Often, they play the victim card around communal matters that have nothing to do with the letter writer, all in an attempt to gain attention or push a particular tznius-related or other agenda.

What’s most troubling is that many of these topics, particularly those related to tznius, are ones that should be addressed discreetly in private settings with women, not published publicly for men to read under the guise of “concern” or “pain” from a supposedly “disturbed” individual. These anonymous or fake letters often appear in columns like “Inbox,” “Mailbag,” or “Letters to the Editor.” or even editorials.

A Few Examples:

1. Hijacking Real Issues

Recently, the Lakewood community came together to support a youngeman who was unjustly jailed for four days without due process. Instead of focusing on this important matter, a so called letter used the opportunity to ask: “Why is no one doing anything for singles in shidduchim?” as if that issue has never been discussed. It was a sad and cynical attempt to divert attention from a serious injustice, likely because a certain website chose not to report on it. Instead, they used the plight of girls in shidduchim to play victim, despite the fact that this issue of shidduchim has been widely acknowledged for decades, with untold millions of dollars and countless hours dedicated to addressing it day in and day out. But clickbait thrives on distraction and emotional manipulation.

2. Manufactured Teen Angst

Another recent letter, supposedly written by a teenager, complained about new school dress codes. The media sites jumped on it, promoting false narratives about how “out of touch” mechanchos are and why schools shouldn’t focus on outer appearance. The usual rhetoric followed: “What about spiritual growth?” “Why are we so obsessed with clothing?”

Let’s be clear: Any school has the right to enforce its dress code just like any professional institution. Showing up to class in pajamas isn't appropriate, period. But the letter made for great clickbait, and the media was more than happy to capitalize on the outrage, regardless of whether the story reflected any truth.

What’s the Real Damage?

These letters insult the intelligence of the Lakewood community and provide ammunition for those who mock our way of life. There’s no bigger lack of tznius than exploiting tznius itself for public attention and personal validation.

Much has already been said about those who seem obsessed with these issues. If there’s a legitimate concern about declining standards, there are tested and effective ways to address it privately, respectfully, and through proper channels not through anonymous internet drama. 

The media should focus on reporting real news, rather than turning everything into tabloid-style drama that mimics goyish culture.