sensationalism

Sensationalism denotes the presentation of information in a way that aims to provoke intense emotions—wonder, anger, fear—often by prioritizing shock value over accuracy or nuance. It is a communication strategy used in journalism, advertising, and entertainment to attract attention and drive engagement.

In journalism, sensationalism has historical roots in yellow journalism of the late 19th century, which used bold headlines, dramatic stories, and exaggerated claims to outsell competitors. Today it persists in some tabloids, certain broadcast and online outlets, and in click-driven digital media where headlines and thumbnails emphasize novelty.

Common features include dramatic or emotive language, emphasis on crime, disaster, or scandal, oversimplified explanations, selective facts, sensational visuals, and front-page or above-the-fold placement. Stories may rely on anonymous or unverified sources.

Criticism notes that sensationalism can erode trust in the media, distort public understanding, and contribute to misinformation by reducing complex issues to binary or sensational frames. It can influence public opinion and policy through emotional rather than evidence-based appeals.

Responses include adherence to editorial standards, transparency about sourcing, separating opinion from reporting, fact-checking, and media literacy education. Some outlets seek to combine engaging presentation with rigorous reporting to avoid sensationalism.