outragemongering

Outragemongering refers to the practice of deliberately provoking or amplifying public anger and outrage for personal, political, or commercial gain. It involves identifying or manufacturing contentious issues and then strategically disseminating information, often sensationalized or exaggerated, to stir strong emotional responses. This can manifest in various forms, including partisan media, social media campaigns, or political rhetoric.

The goal of outragemongering is typically to mobilize a specific audience, discredit opponents, or drive engagement. By focusing on emotionally charged topics, practitioners can bypass reasoned debate and appeal directly to people's fears, biases, or sense of injustice. This can lead to increased polarization, a decline in civil discourse, and a distorted perception of reality.

While outrage can sometimes be a catalyst for positive social change, outragemongering often exploits and manipulates these emotions for less constructive purposes. It thrives on creating an "us versus them" mentality and can make it difficult to find common ground or engage in productive problem-solving. The ease with which information can be spread online has significantly contributed to the prevalence of this phenomenon.