Infobait 

infobait (noun)

A misleading headline or title used to attract attention and get people to click on a link, even though the actual content of the link has nothing to do with the headline.

Example: A headline that says "You won't believe what this celebrity did!" when the article is actually about a new product

Origin: Blend of "info" (information) and "bait"

Synonyms: clickbait, misdirection, deception

Antonyms: truth, accuracy, honesty

Note: Infobait is a deceptive practice that can waste people's time and mislead them into making purchases they wouldn't otherwise make. It can also be used to spread misinformation and manipulate people's beliefs.

It's important to be aware of infobait so that you can avoid being misled by it.

"I'm so tired of seeing infobait headlines on social media; it's frustrating to click on something only to find out it's not what it promised."

"The headline of the article was complete infobait; it promised a celebrity interview but was just a product advertisement."

Infobait by UrbanBritian January 2, 2025

infobating

Obsessively reading news feeds and blog updates just for the sake of knowing the latest information, most of which is generally useless.

I have to take a break from the internet for a while, at this point I'm just infobating.

infobating by nowvoodoo January 2, 2012

infobaiting 

To lure people into becoming obsessed over something pointless by dangling information about it in front of them, appealing to their need to find out more (see infobating).

People would never have even heard of the Kardashians if the tabloids didn't keep infobaiting them.

I can't stop reading TVTropes, every article keeps infobaiting me into the next one!

infobaiting by nowvoodoo January 2, 2012