Making money from internet outrage

Business Daily

BBC

News, Business

4.4 • 796 Ratings

🗓️ 10 December 2024

⏱️ 17 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

How do online platforms profit from our anger? In this episode, we explore the business of 'rage-baiting' – content designed to provoke outrage and drive engagement.

We hear from creators who thrive on stirring emotions, critics warning of its societal impact, and academics explaining why anger is such a powerful tool online.

From its role in content algorithms, to the dangers it poses offline, we uncover the economics behind the clicks.

(Picture: A man dramatically gestures towards his laptop, conveying surprise. Credit: Getty Images)

Presenter: Megan Lawton Producer: Sam Gruet

Transcript

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0:00.0	Hello, welcome to Business Daily on the BBC Wild Service. I'm Megan Lawton. Today,
0:07.2	I definitely get a lot of hate. We're exploring a new trend spreading across social media.
0:13.7	It's really just a lot of outrage baiting.
0:15.9	Rage beating. Rage baiting. Where the goal is simple. Create content that will make viewers viscerally angry, then bask in the thousands or even
0:24.9	millions of shares and likes.
0:27.3	Every single video of mine that has gained like millions and millions of views is because
0:32.3	of, unfortunately, because of hate comments.
0:35.8	From social media to advertising and even politics, you're probably never more than a few clicks away.
0:42.2	A lot of people play the game on X where they egg on the other side, what I call going across enemy lines.
0:50.2	But what is the psychology behind rage baiting?
0:53.4	How has it become a full-time job for some?
0:56.1	And why does some think it's doing more harm than good?
0:59.5	It's very dangerous as a business owner to use these types of tactics
1:04.1	because it reduces trust in your audience.
1:08.4	Making money from internet outrage.
1:11.5	That's coming up on Business Daily.
1:14.6	What if I told you that your favourite sweater?
1:17.9	Well, it looks awful on you.
1:20.2	Or that all pop music is really bad.
1:23.1	Well, for starters, I don't think that.
1:25.8	But it has got your attention. And if you saw or heard
1:29.3	those comments on social media, it might have even got you typing a reply or sharing with a friend.
	...

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