The system that runs X.com (formerly known as Twitter) acknowledges an increase in “Rage Bait” posts there. Here’s what they say: “There’s a noticeable presence of posts designed to incite anger or controversy, often referred to as “rage bait,” which can lead to negative interactions and a less enjoyable platform experience.”
Wow. People create “Rage bait” posts on X just to make people mad.
I wouldn’t have thought anyone, since people are “basically good” would ever do such a thing. Especially since all that kind of behavior can do is increase engagement in the form of likes, retweets, comments, or shares. Of course, I share that last thought as facetious tongue-in-cheek humor.
And evidently rage bait posts have these characteristics:
- Provocative Statements: Content that is deliberately controversial, often involving sensitive topics like politics, religion, race, or identity.
- Misleading or Exaggerated Headlines: Headlines or titles that are sensationalized or do not accurately reflect the content of the post to draw clicks.
- Outrageous Claims: Statements or assertions that are so extreme they are bound to provoke disagreement or anger.
- Selective Information: Presenting only part of the story or facts in a way that is misleading or biased to stir up anger or debate.
So, there are lots of people (and their digital robots, aka: bots) who have nothing better to do than to stir up trouble. Who’d’ve thunk it? Actually I’ll tell you who’d’ve thunk it in just a minute or two. First, here’s why the X system thinks those knuckleheads do all that rage baiting. And why it’s a problem.
They say it’s because it leads to:
- Polarization: Such posts can deepen divides by inciting arguments, misinformation, and misunderstanding among users.
- Decreased Quality of Discourse: The focus shifts from constructive dialogue to heated debates or personal attacks, degrading the quality of interaction on the platform.
- User Fatigue: Constant exposure to anger-inducing content can lead to user fatigue, where individuals might disengage from the platform or become more cynical about online interactions.
- Manipulation of Engagement Metrics: Since platforms often prioritize content with high engagement, rage bait can manipulate these metrics, leading to an algorithmically favored environment of controversy over substantive discussion
But I say it’s actually part of the worldwide rebellion against the one, true, living, loving Creator of Heaven and Earth. Yep. And God predicted that people would get this rage-baiting way. In fact, He inspired Paul to write about the kind of perilous times we see these days. Paul wrote:
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…”
(side note: keep in mind, the “last days” could last longer than you might think, or there might only be a few more)
So.
Another one of the many times God predicts how awful we’ll be.
And we live down to His expectations. Because of how easily and quickly that can happen, here’s what I suggest. When you go on social media, be salt and light. Don’t be a fish. Don’t take the rage bait. Find ways to show love for your Creator and your neighbor. Not love for self or money. And get out of the U.N. Oops, I mean take the un off unthankful, unholy, and unloving (actually I mean both, but that’s for another time).
Put up some sage bait.
Skip the brainless rage bait.
Show the world the reason we exist.
You’ll need some wisdom.
Go and get yourself some,
So, when you see the bait, you can resist.
Then, take a second and join the growing body of believers who’ve already signed up for the FunderFlash Journal. When you do, I’ll send you links to 2 songs and 2 books that adults AND kids enjoy right away. Then, I’ll send you flashes of light from the faith, hope, and the power of God’s love.
Stay tuned,
