In today's digital landscape, journalism grapples with unique challenges, largely due to the rise of clickbait and sensationalism. This article delves into how these trends affect journalistic integrity, audience trust, and the way we consume media. By drawing on insights from media theory and communication studies, we examine the nature and impact of sensational content across different online platforms, considering both established and new media outlets. Our findings indicate that clickbait strategies, fueled by algorithms, often prioritize engagement at the expense of accuracy. This can lead to misleading stories that compromise the core principles of journalism. We also discuss how sensationalism can skew public discourse, shaping audience perceptions and eroding trust in news sources. To gather insights, we conducted an online survey via Google Forms, engaging a diverse group of 100 participants. This quantitative approach aimed to understand how individuals perceive clickbait and sensational headlines, allowing us to analyze their responses meaningfully. Moreover, we explore how social media algorithms magnify sensational content, creating a culture of shallow engagement. By proposing a framework for ethical reporting, we strive to balance captivating the audience and maintaining a commitment to informative, well-rounded content. Ultimately, we hope to contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of journalism and its vital role in cultivating an informed public amid a fragmented media environment.
new media journalism, clickbait culture, sensationalism in media, algorithmic influence, online content, social media.