• enkers@sh.itjust.works
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    3 months ago

    I do wonder if this is due to automated A/B testing, similar to how you can upload multiple thumbnails on YouTube, and the algorithm will automatically choose the one that provides the most traction.

    If the sole purpose is to generate as many clicks as possible, that kinda tracks.

    • ShadowZone@lemmy.world
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      3 months ago

      With normal news websites, A/B testing could be a thing. We had a rudimentary implementation of that back in 2011 already. But this is Reuters, a news agency. They are B2B and don’t care about clicks, their business model is selling first hand reporting to other media outlets (e.g. CNN, USA Today etc). As stories develop, so does the title. Especially when ongoing conflicts are concerned.

      • And009@reddthat.com
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        3 months ago

        That’s done manually on youtube but website like these likely have that feature built in

        • enkers@sh.itjust.works
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          3 months ago

          I thought it used to be done manually, but now there’s automation built in to YouTube, I recall hearing. It might only be available to certain users, though.

          I think I recall it being discussed in relation to Veritasium, although I can’t recall if it was a third party mentioning it or Derek (Veritasium) himself.

          I haven’t heard of it built into news websites before, but it also wouldn’t surprise me if that already was a thing.