by Adrian Rosario
As we all know, when reading a story on our favourite news feed sites, we sometimes become distracted by clickbait ads. If you’re unfamiliar with clickbait ads, it’s a headline that’s created to attract your attention and encourage you to go to a particular web page. More often than not these links lead to satire or just a plainly obvious answer. However, advertisers make money on every click they get, which is why they try to make it so inviting. We’ve compiled a list of blatantly obvious clickbait ads you might see on a few local websites.
Want to know the secret to getting rich in Singapore…
This one might seem legitimate, especially to anyone who is short on cash, and thinks there is a quick and easy way out. One of them is called Quantum Code, a scam that lures people online through clickbait like this. Trust me, none of these “get rich quick” ads ever pan out. Think about it – if it’s so good, why isn’t the person creating that ad sitting on a golden throne, sipping champagne? I’m sorry to say, but this secret doesn’t exist. Just don’t fall prey to online scams that promise you a ton of money by working online.
Top 10 life hacks for MRT users…
If you’re similar to me, and are always looking for a trick or shortcut to make the dreadful journey on the MRT easier, than this clickbait might seem like it’s on to something. While this clickbait might seem viable at first, I assure you it just comes down to common sense. Please don’t make the mistake of thinking this might teach you something, because with useless tips such as, “For easier commute, travel during non-peak hours” being slapped at you, it is just a waste of time.
Find the cheapest food in your area…
For people who don’t have the luxury of spending a lot of cash but love food, especially students, this clickbait will surely attract you. Food is not super cheap in Singapore, unless you eat at hawker centres, so this clickbait will only leave you annoyed. However, all this clickbait will bring you to, is advertising for a food stall you would have never heard about.
You won’t believe this trick to get a cheaper Uber/Grab fare…
This is one that is 100% true. If you’re a periodic user of Uber/Grab, but hate the hefty fare, then this is a trick that will help you. To get a cheaper bill, click this clickbait, then you will realise that the trick to save money is to “ride share” or “wait for a promo”. Yes. That was the completely, stupidly OBVIOUS trick to get a cheaper bill. Let’s hope that none of these clickbaits leads to a scam – a recent case in Singapore offered fake Uber/Grab promotional deals that cheated its victims of at least $7,700.
The most incredible article you will read about Singapore…
If it’s not about money, health or life hacks, then it will be information that catches attention, such as, “You won’t believe how dangerous your neighbourhood is”. This clickbait hopes to pull in an audience just to waste your time while they make a profit of 5-10 cents per click.
Since most of you won’t click on an obvious clickbait title, what will marketers do next?
