5th GRADE

Unit 1: Building the Galactic Government  - Digital Citizenship
LESSON 3: CLICKBAIT

LESSON MISSION


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  • I can define the curiosity gap.
  • I can explain how clickbait uses the curiosity gap to get your attention.
  • I can use strategies for avoiding clickbait.

INTRODUCTION

All of these headlines were created to try to get you to click on them. They do this using something called, "The Curiosity Gap." The Curiosity Gap is the desire people have to figure out missing information.

For example, think about your favorite actor or singer. Have you ever wondered where they were born or what they like to do in their spare time? Why do you think you're interested in that? It's because your mind doesn't like to have missing pieces, or "gaps" in things we know about. Each of these headlines is making your brain think that there's a gap in something you already know about.

ACTIVITY

Look at the worksheet below. ​For each headline example, complete each column to explain how it shows the curiosity gap.

TOOL BOX


​Terms to Know
​curiosity gap: the desire people have to figure out missing information

clickbait: An image or headline that tries to get you to click on it, usually for advertising purposes

EVALUATE

 Lots of different kinds of headlines and images use the curiosity gap to try to get you to click on them, including many news sites. But not all are the same. Some are "clickbait." What do you think the word "clickbait" means? Take turns sharing your idea with your partner.
Clickbait is a compound word made up of "click" (following a link on the internet) and "bait" (something used to get fish to bite on a hook). These are clues to the meaning. Clickbait is an online image or headline that tries to get you to click on it, usually for advertising purposes. 

​By getting you to "bite on the hook," or click the link, clickbait headlines help advertisers make more money. When lots of people click on a link, an advertiser gets more traffic and can charge companies more money for their ads. It doesn't matter if the people who click find what they're looking for. ​
In fact, when you click on clickbait, it can:
  • Potentially lead to sites you didn't want to go to. This can be confusing and frustrating!
  • Infect your device with computer viruses.
  • Lead to someone stealing your information.
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So, if you come across a headline that you think might be clickbait, avoid clicking it. Instead, do a search on the headline to see if there are other sources that provide the information you're looking for.
​Sometimes it can be hard to tell if a headline is just clickbait or if it is something actually worth clicking. But there are a few things you can look for.

Let's look at this worksheet. Take 5 minutes and work with your partner to complete Part 1. If you finish early, complete part 2.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

CONGRATULATIONS!  

You accomplished your mission!
  • I can define the curiosity gap.
  • I can explain how clickbait uses the curiosity gap to get your attention.
  • I can use strategies for avoiding clickbait.
This lesson was created using:
Common Sense Education - You Won't Believe This! What is clickbait and how can you avoid it?
ISTE Standards Addressed:
  • ​1.2.a: Digital Footprint - Students manage their digital identity and understand the lasting impact of their online behaviors on themselves and others and make safe, legal and ethical decisions in the digital world.
  • 1.2.b:  Online Interactions - Students demonstrate empathetic, inclusive interactions online and use technology to responsibly contribute to their communities.​
  • 1.2.d: Digital Privacy - Students take action to protect their digital privacy on devices and manage their personal data and security while online.
ITEEA STEL Standards Addressed:
  • ​STEL-4F - Describe the helpful and harmful effects of technology
  • STEL-5D - Determine factors that influence changes in a society's technological systems or infrastructures​
AL DLCS Standards Addressed:
  • Citizen of a Digital Culture - Digital Identity 12. Explain the different forms of web advertising and why websites, digital resources, and artifacts may include advertisements that may collect personal information.  
  • Innovative Designer - Human-Computer Partnerships 27.  Define social engineering and discuss possible defenses