Analyzing Sensationalism in News on Twitter (X): Clickbait Journalism by Legacy vs. Online-Native Outlets and the Consequences for User Engagement

Digital Journalism 2025, Vol. 13, no. 8, 1482–1502 https://doi.org/10.1080/21670811.2024.2394764

Autor: 

1. Salman Khawar; Communication science, university of amsterdam, amsterdam, the netherlandshttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-7303-7774
2. Mark Boukes; amsterdam school ofCommunication research, university of amsterdam, amsterdam, the netherlands;  markboukes@gmail.comhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-3377-6281

Keywords: sensationalism; journalism; clickbait;twitter; X; social media news; online news; legacy media; online-native media. 

Abstract: News consumption patterns have evolved as people increasinglyget news through social media. a by-product of this change hasbeen the rise of “clickbaits”—a form of journalism that utilizes sen-sationalist techniques to lure readers into clicking on links.although clickbaits have become common, not much is knownabout the use of this journalistic practice. this study empiricallyinvestigates whether online-native news outlets utilize more sensa-tional features than legacy news outlets to promote their newsstories on Twitter (now X). the impact of sensationalism on subse-quent user engagement metrics is also tested. First, a manual con-tent analysis of 1,440 tweets by news media organizations wasconducted, identifying sensationalism through ten features. second,an automated content analysis was conducted on a dataset of25,600 tweets, replicating the manual coding process. the resultsconfirm that online-native outlets (Huffington Post, BuzzFeed) uti-lized more sensationalism than online legacy outlets (USA Today,L.A. Times). Furthermore, a positive relationship was found betweenthe number of sensationalist features employed and the favoritecount, confirming the effectiveness of clickbaits. the automatedcontent analysis by-and-large corroborated the findings of themanual annotation, and additionally revealed a positive effect ofsensationalism on the number of retweets.

Idioma: English 

Publicación: 24 de septiembre del 2024. 

Volumen: Digital Journalism 2025, Vol. 13, no. 8.  

Enlace Permanente 

El periodismo científico en el actual ecosistema digital: retos y alertas desde la perspectiva de los profesionales chilenos

Revista Mediterránea de Comunicación/Mediterranean Journal of Communication, Vol 15 n°1, pp 39-59. https://doi.org/10.14198/MEDCOM.25346

Autor: 

1. Juan-Ignacio MARTIN-NEIRA, Universidad de Granada. España; jmartinne@correo.ugr.es
   https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9754-1177
   
   
2. Dra. Magdalena TRILLO-DOMÍNGUEZ, Universidad de Granada. España;  mtrillo@ugr.es 
   https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0647-2781 
   
   
   
3. Dra. María-Dolores OLVERA-LOBO, Universidad de Granada;  molvera@ugr.es 
    https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0489-7674
   
   

Keywords: Comunicación de la ciencia; nuevos medios; perfiles periodísticos; periodismo científico; periodismo digital; redes sociales. 

Abstract: Science journalism is in an ongoing process of digitisation, so it is necessary to have analyses that allow understanding of the current reality of the discipline and awareness of future trends and difficulties. Due to the fact that the consideration given to science journalism in Latin America is not uniform across the different regions, this study seeks to determine how science journalists in Chile are performing in the new digital scenario. By using the “snowball” technique, a survey was disseminated with questions associated with professional practice, which enable evaluation of the work of the discipline in the country. The 42 participating journalists highlighted the importance of using scientific language appropriately and the use of social networks to communicate with audiences. They also warned about the challenge encountered by local science journalism in facing the misinformation that is shared in the digital environment, as well as the ongoing specialisation in content and the qualified use of technologies that professionals in the field must develop. This research reveals the need for journalists to have greater versatility and knowledge of the new channels through which the public is informed, and thereby take advantage of the current boom in the consumption of science news by citizens.

Resumen: El periodismo científico se encuentra en un constante proceso de digitalización, por lo que se hace necesario contar con análisis que permita entender la realidad actual de la disciplina y estar atentos a las tendencias y dificultades futuras. Ante el hecho de que la consideración que se le presta al periodismo científico en América Latina no es uniforme entre las diferentes regiones, el presente estudio persigue determinar cómo los periodistas científicos de Chile están desempeñándose en el nuevo escenario digital. Por medio de la técnica de “bola de nieve”, se difundió una encuesta con preguntas asociadas al ejercicio profesional, las cuales permiten evaluar la labor de la disciplina en el país. Los 42 periodistas participantes destacaron la importancia de usar adecuadamente el lenguaje científico y saber utilizar de forma apropiada las redes sociales para comunicarse con las audiencias. Además, alertaron sobre el desafío que se le presenta al periodismo científico local para enfrentar las desinformaciones que se comparten en el entorno digital, así como la constante especialización en contenidos y el empleo cualificado de tecnologías que deben desarrollar los profesionales en la materia. Esta investigación pone de manifiesto la necesidad de que los periodistas tengan una mayor versatilidad y conocimiento de los nuevos canales por los que se informan los públicos y así aprovechar el auge actual del consumo de noticias de ciencia por parte de la sociedad.

Idioma: Español 

Publicación: 1 de enero del 2024

Volumen: Revista Mediterránea de Comunicación/Mediterranean Journal of Communication, Vol 15 n°1, pp 39-59. 

Enlace de Publicación

Periodismo feminista: una aproximación conceptual

Historia y Comunicación Social, Vol 29. no. 2, 2024 pp. 489-497. https://doi.org/10.5209/hics.98681

Autor: María Gorosarri González; Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU); ROR

Keywords: periodismo feminista; periodismo activista; perspectiva de género; objetividad; violencia machista.

Abstract: This conceptual article defines feminist journalism as advocacy journalism, focused on eradicating male privileges that perpetuate historical discrimination against women. Assuming the premises of objective professional journalism (Westerståhl, 1983), which is not impartial, a categorization of journalistic coverage is proposed, not based on recommendations of good practices, but on active measures aimed at eliminating the scope of each of the nine male privileges listed by Manne (2020). The efforts of objective professional journalism and journalism with a feminist perspective will be analyzed, as well as those of feminist journalism, aimed at overcoming the shortcomings of the previous two.

Resumen: El presente artículo conceptual define el periodismo feminista como el periodismo activista (advocacyjournalism) enfocado a erradicar los privilegios masculinos que perpetúan la discriminación histórica hacia las mujeres. Asumiendo las premisas del periodismo profesional objetivo (Westerståhl, 1983), que no imparcial, se propone una categorización de la cobertura periodística, no basada en recomendaciones de buenas prácticas, sino en medidas activas destinadas a eliminar el alcance de cada uno de los nueve privilegios masculinos enumerados por Manne (2020). Se analizará la labor del periodismo profesional objetivo, del periodismo con perspectiva feminista y, finalmente, del periodismo feminista, destinado a superar las carencias de los dos anteriores.

Idioma: Español. 

Publicación: Aceptado 12 de setiembre del 2024. 

Volumen: Historia y Comunicación Social Vol. 29, no. 2, 2024 pp. 489-497.  

Enlace Permanente 

How Generative AI Is Transforming Journalism: Development, Application and Ethics.

Journalism and Media 2024 Vol 5, N° 2. https://doi.org/10.3390/journalmedia5020039

Autor: 

1. Yi Shi, and Lin Sun; School of Government and Public Affairs, Communication University of China, Beijing 100024, China; 2021100503z9001@cuc.edu.cn. 

Keywords:  Generative artificial intelligence; news production; journalistic ethics; subjectivity; media accuracy.   

Abstract:Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is a technology based on algorithms, models, etc., that creates content such as text, audio, images, videos, and code. GAI is deeply integrated into journalism as tools, platforms and systems. However, GAI’s role in journalism dilutes the power of media professionals, changes traditional news production and poses ethical questions. This study attempts to systematically answer these ethical questions in specific journalistic practices from the perspectives of journalistic professionalism and epistemology. Building on the review of GAI’s development and application, this study identifies the responsibilities of news organizations, journalists and audiences, ensuring that they realize the potential of GAI while adhering to journalism professionalism and universal human values to avoid negative technological effects.

Idioma: English. 

Publicación: 10 de mayo del 2024. 

Volumen: Journalism and Media 2024, 5(2), 582-594, 

Enlace Permanente 

Quality Journalism in Social Media – What We Know and Where We Need to Dig Deeper

 

Journalism Studies 2024, VOL. 25, NO. 4, 399–420. https://doi.org/10.1080/1461670X.2024.2314204

Autor: 

1. Matthias Degen; Institute for Journalism and Public Relations, Westphalian University, Gelsenkirchen, Germany; matthias.degen@w-hs.de;  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3533-8306
2. Max Olgemöller; Institute for Journalism and Public Relations, Westphalian University, Gelsenkirchen, Germany;  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8388-3990 
3. Christian Zabel; a Schmalenbach School of Business Economics, TH Köln University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany; christian.zabel@th-koeln.de;  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4636-6679

Keywords: Journalism quality, digital quality journalism, social media journalism, social media literature review, journalistic roles, social media adaptation. 

Abstract: While research on journalism in social media is extensive and approaches the topic from different perspectives, the consideration of what contributes to quality journalism in social media is underdeveloped. Our paper addresses this by providing a comprehensive literature review of journalism research relating to aspects of quality in social media. Based on a systematic Scopus search, 54 peer-reviewed, English-language papers published between 2015 and 2022 were selected for in-depth textual analysis using MAXQDA. Two important takeaways emerge from the analysis. First, the literature suggests that journalists and media organizations adapt work routines, norms, and values in a context-sensitive manner when producing content for social media. By enabling many-to-many communication, social media platforms force journalists and media outlets to reflect on audience demands and to develop audience engagement strategies. Second, the findings underscore that journalistic social media activities diverge depending on how individual journalists and organizations approach journalistic quality in social media. As these findings are only pieces to the puzzle of what quality journalism in social media entails, we hope to encourage further research in this area. 

Idioma: Inglés.

Publicación: 06 de febrero del 2024.

Volumen: Journalism Studies 2024, VOL. 25, NO. 4, 399–420. 

Enlace Permanente 

Misinformation

Internet Policy Review, Vol 12 (4). https://doi.org/10.14763/2023.4.1725

Autor: 

1. Zeng, Jing; Department of Media and Culture Studies, Utrecht University, Netherlands; j.zeng@ikmz.uzh.ch; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5970-7172
2. Scott Babwah Brennen, Center on Technology Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, United States. 

Keywords: Misinformation; disinformation; propaganda; conspiracy theory.

Abstract: This article delves into the diverse and complex nature of conceptualising misinformation as an object of research, highlighting the interdisciplinary scholarship in this field that results in varied and sometimes conflicting definitions. While a singular theory of misinformation is neither feasible nor desirable, the article argues for the importance of greater conceptual comprehensiveness in empirical research. Without a comprehensive and comparable definition of misinformation, accurately measuring the problem's scale becomes challenging, potentially leading to underestimation or overhyping of its impact and misguided interventions. Furthermore, addressing the growing demand for countering misinformation in public and policy-making domains necessitates a nuanced understanding of its roots in cultural, sociopolitical, and technological systems. Existing academic discussions on remedies often adopt a Western-centric perspective, overlooking unique power dynamics in non-democratic and non-Western contexts. Therefore, future discussions on countermeasures should prioritise the Global South and other understudied contexts, avoiding one-size-fits-all solutions.

Idioma: English 

Publicación: November 9, 2023. 

Volumen: Internet Policy Review, 12 (4). 

Enlace Principal

Clickbait, anonimato y “cuña selfie”: el temor como factor de cambio en las prácticas periodísticas

Comunicación y Sociedad, Año 21, 2024, pp. 1-30. https://doi.org/10.32870/cys.v2024.8796

Autor: 

1. Grassau, Daniela; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; dgrassau@uc.cl; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7846-8322
2. Constanza Ortega-Gunckel; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; cortega1@uc.cl; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9182-3827
3. Soledad Puente; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; spuente@uc.cl; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6288-883X
4. William Porath; Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; wporath@uc.cl; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0677-2928

Keywords: Periodismo, clickbait, audiencias, digitalización, prácticas periodísticas.

Abstract: This research examines how fear, in the digital environment, acts as a factor of change in professional practices and in the relationship of journalists with audiences and sources. Through 91 in-depth interviews, it identifies the transformations and repercussions of this evolution and the role that fear plays in audience attraction practices such as clickbait; in actions to protect journalists such as self-censorship and anonymity, as well as the emergence of new reporting dynamics such as the “selfie recorded testimonial”.

Resumen: Esta investigación examina cómo el temor, en el entorno digital, actúa como factor de cambio en las prácticas profesionales y en la relación de los periodistas con audiencias y fuentes. Mediante 91 entrevistas en profundidad, se identifican las transformaciones y repercusiones de esta evolución y el rol que el temor juega en las prácticas de atracción de audiencia, como el clickbait; en acciones de protección de los periodistas, como la autocensura y el anonimato, así como la emergencia de nuevas dinámicas de reporteo como la “cuña selfie”.

Idioma: Español 

Publicación: 13 de noviembre del 2024

Volumen: Comunicación y Sociedad, 2024, pp. 1-30.

Enlace Permanente: