What's Happening?
The Oxford University Press has named 'rage bait' as the word of the year, highlighting its role in the attention economy. Defined as content designed to elicit anger and increase engagement, its usage has surged. The term reflects the growing influence of internet culture on language, capturing a strategy used to drive online traffic and engagement. This choice underscores the dynamic nature of language and its adaptation to new communication forms.
Why It's Important?
The selection of 'rage bait' as the word of the year signifies the impact of digital culture on language evolution. It highlights the challenges of navigating online spaces where engagement is often driven by emotional responses. This development has implications for media literacy, as individuals
must critically assess content designed to provoke reactions. The term also reflects broader societal trends in communication and the role of algorithms in shaping discourse.
