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Clickbait Strategies and Influence on Consumer Trust and Behavior

Alaba Tobin-West Diamond, Stella. C. Enyindah PhD, Oyinkepreye Brisibe PhD

Abstract

This study examined the influence of clickbait strategies on consumer trust and behaviour in Rivers State. Anchored on the Uses and Gratifications and Persuasion Theories, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised digitally active consumers across Rivers State who frequently engage with online advertisements. The total population of the study is 9,898,470, however, using the Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table, 385 respondents were selected, while 378 valid questionnaires were retrieved for analysis. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were employed to ensure representation of users across major digital platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire instrument and structured interview method. The administered questionnaire were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while the structured interviews conducted were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The study found that clickbait advertising significantly undermines consumer trust and influences behaviour in Rivers State, leading to increased scepticism, emotional fatigue, and reduced willingness to engage with or purchase from online platforms. Clickbait strategies significantly increase engagement rates, they simultaneously erode consumer trust, create dissatisfaction, and foster scepticism towards digital content. The study concludes that clickbait advertising, though effective in generating short-term attention, has adverse long-term effects on consumer trust and ethical digital communication. The study recommends that online marketers and content creators should adopt transparent.

Keywords

ClickbaitStrategiesInfluenceConsumer Trustand Behaviour.

References

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