Mental Resilience
All Ages
Rage-Bait: The Economy of Anger
Why the internet wants you to stay angry and how to opt out.
THE LOGIC
Algorithms prioritize 'High Arousal' emotions. Anger and outrage drive the most comments and shares, which means the app makes more money when you are upset.
THE MOVE
1. Do Not Interact: Replying to a 'Rage-Bait' post—even to argue—tells the algorithm you like that content. It will show you even more of it.
2. Click Not Interested: Use the 'three dots' menu on videos that make you angry and select 'Not Interested.'
3. Treat it as Boring: The best defense against rage-bait is to view it as boring, repetitive marketing rather than a personal attack.
Algorithms prioritize 'High Arousal' emotions. Anger and outrage drive the most comments and shares, which means the app makes more money when you are upset.
THE MOVE
1. Do Not Interact: Replying to a 'Rage-Bait' post—even to argue—tells the algorithm you like that content. It will show you even more of it.
2. Click Not Interested: Use the 'three dots' menu on videos that make you angry and select 'Not Interested.'
3. Treat it as Boring: The best defense against rage-bait is to view it as boring, repetitive marketing rather than a personal attack.