Read a brief description of “Tabloid” and “Serious” media/newspapers and, based on the characteristics, sort the headlines according to what type of media you think they come from.

Tabloid media

The tabloid media, which emphasizes emotional messages, often features information from the private lives of celebrities that originates from various “secret sources” and behind-the-scenes gossip. The messages can be panic-inducing, blurring various scandals, simple and superficial in order to best appeal to the type of readers or viewers who follow this media. Their circulation tends to be many times higher than that of the serious media.

Serious media

Serious media work with objective information, which they verify, analyse, draw conclusions from and put into context. They use the opinions and commentary of experts on the subject and refer to sources. Their aim is to provide the reader with quality information on all aspects of social events.

One of the manipulative techniques is the use of headlines that aim to evoke strong emotions: curiosity, shock, anger, disappointment. This is to get you to click on the headline. Tabloid media very often use this technique to entice you to visit the site again. Be careful and approach tabloid content critically.