Author: DelvinTekon

1. Headline Variation (12 marks)

Using the article from Part A, Question #1, you are to create three (3) different headlines. Each headline must emphasize a different headline element discussed in class. (3X4=12 Marks) 

For each headline:

a) Include the Headline 

b) Explain your reasoning 

c) Reference specific class concepts

Headline 1: 27 men shed light on why they are lonely, male loneliness epidemic

The first headline rewrite uses the specific number. Specific numbers increase click-through rates because it intrigues people. People are drawn to the numbers, especially the number 7, therefor including it at the beginning of the headline is likely to draw attention and get people to click. The headline is condensed and explains exactly what the article provides and delivers. 

Headline 2: Are you a lonely man? Here are reason as to why that might be

This next headline speaks directly to who the target audience is. This headline utilizes the flagging technique, speaking directly to the reader. This increases engagement because it seems as though the article is talking directly to whoever the reader is. This headline talks to the audience and sparks up a conversation, getting readers invested to the point where if they click, they are likely engage further by leaving a comment. This headline is structured like a question, prompting viewers to think about what is being asked and piquing their interest. This will then require the viewer to click on the article to satisfy their curiosity.

Headline 3: Male loneliness epidemic, why are men so damn sad

This headline is ultra-specific and straightforward. The headline states clearly what the article contains. The headline is condensed and doesn’t mislead readers about its content. This is important because viewers won’t respond well to being told a lie. The headline is unique and creates an emotional appeal. The emphasis on the second half of the headline draws attention by flaring emotions on the topic; the use of the word “damn” creates this emotional flare-up, making readers believe that the topic being discussed is important and requires the reader’s attention.

3. Click Motivation (8 marks) 

a) Provide a different headline you recently clicked on. 

b) Include the exact headline and a screenshot

c) Explain why you clicked it, not why you liked it 

d) Tie your reasoning directly to course concepts 

Headline:

The first thing that attracted me to this headline is the number. The headline features the number 17, a very specific number. Numbers in headlines are proven to increase click-through rates. Another reason I clicked it is that it is shorter and more straightforward compared to the previous headline. Compared to the previous headline, it is not as unique and doesn’t have any particular personality to it. The headline also does well at staying specific and relevant to its topic. The headline is not misleading and tells the reader exactly what the article contains.

This must be a different headline than Question #1 

2. Accuracy & Representation (4 marks) 

Was the headline in Question #1 an accurate representation of the article content? 

a) Explain your reasoning clearly 

b) Reference course discussion on misleading vs effective headlines

The headline is an accurate representation of the article because the content of the article states that men are giving reasons as to why they are lonely, and the content within the article confirms this. The article contains various perspectives from men on Reddit explaining why they aren’t in meaningful relationships. The headline Reels in the audience and provides exactly what it promises.

1. Headline Resonance (6 marks) 

Find one (1) headline you recently encountered that you felt was effective. 

a) Provide the exact headline 

b) Explain why it resonated with you 

c) Tie your explanation directly to specific headline elements discussed in class

Headline:

This headline resonated with me because it talks about a topic that I have been hearing about on other platforms. This is the main reason that it caught my eye. The headline, all though its wordy, is unique, and I believe it might contain the personality of the person who wrote it based on the last part of the headline. It’s specific in its topic and is intriguing. The headline of this article is straightforward, telling the reader exactly what is in store for them.  Another thing I noticed is that the article flags the reader. The article is most likely talking to men and asks men to explain themselves, prompting male readers to think about the topic of discussion, reflect on their personal lives and experiences, and come to their own conclusions for themselves.