The Pros and Cons of Using Always or Never Anywhere

Have you ever been drawn to an article simply because its headline made an extreme promise? Headlines that use “always” and “never” have a knack for grabbing attention. These absolutes often evoke strong emotions, curiosity, or even skepticism. But is leaning on such definitive language an effective strategy, or does it come with its pitfalls?

The use is intentional and used for the reasons above. Our fascination with delving into extreme views has been compounded exponentially due to social media and our current divisive society. I have avoided using them even when I felt they were appropriate because the costs are too high for my reason for writing.

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of falling for “always” and “never” in article headlines.

The Pros

1. Attention-Grabbing

Absolutes like ‘always’ and ‘never’ are not just words but potent magnets that promise clarity and certainty in a world often shrouded in ambiguity. These headlines demand attention by tapping into our innate desire for definitive answers even though the resulting facts may be false or totally off base regarding the application or solution.

2. Simplifies Decision-Making

Readers often appreciate direct, decisive advice. A headline stating “5 Things You Should Never Do at Work” immediately signals a clear takeaway, enticing the reader to discover what they might be missing. FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, is one of the milestones of modern marketing and a sad commentary on our desire for instant gratification.

3. Emotional Impact

Strong language evokes emotional responses. Words like “always” and “never” can elicit urgency, fear of missing out, or excitement, which drive clicks and engagement. With the increase of attention to mental health and wellness, it seems that we still lack the desire to understand our emotions and the fact that we can control them if we desire.

4. SEO and Shareability

Definitive headlines often perform well in search engines and on social media. They’re easy to remember and share, amplifying an article’s reach. I recently reviewed a health hack site with 72 suggestions for better health, from various applications of apple cider vinegar to avoiding multiple foods. The common thread was that each title had either NEVER or ALWAYS in it, primarily for SEO.

The Cons

1. Oversimplification

Life is rarely black and white, and absolutes often fail to capture nuances. Readers who value depth and critical thinking may feel misled if the content doesn’t live up to the stark promise of the headline. As mentioned, the site I reviewed had some valid homeopathic factors embedded in the articles. Still, some outlandish claims also led the reader to doubt the validity of most of the material.

2. Risk of Losing Credibility

If the article’s content doesn’t support the bold claim of the headline, it can come across as clickbait. This can erode trust and damage the writer’s reputation. Generally, people are much more likely to not return to sites that use these tools to capture their attention.

3. Polarization

Definitive language can alienate readers who disagree with the absolutes presented. This might limit the article’s appeal to a broader audience. They can also lead to an increase in the rise of cultish views of a particular topic, which now leads to more caustic relationships online and possibly in person.

4. Potential Backlash

Today, with all the fact-checking and critical commentary, headlines that make overly bold claims can be a double-edged sword. While they may initially attract attention, they also invite scrutiny. Readers might actively challenge or critique an article that leans too heavily on extremes.

5. Potential for Being Offensive

Absolutes like “never” and “always” often come across as dismissive or offensive, particularly when discussing sensitive topics. Such definitive language may invalidate individual experiences or opinions, making readers feel excluded or unfairly judged.

When used carelessly, under the guise of free speech, these terms can amplify disagreements, reinforce stereotypes, or make statements appear overly rigid. We are sitting on a powder keg and waiting for the spark that will trigger massive effects.

Conclusion

Whether writing or reading, ‘always’ and ‘never’ in headlines is a high-stakes game. While it can boost attention and engagement, it also carries risks of oversimplification and credibility loss. Striking a balance between boldness and authenticity is the key to crafting headlines that captivate without compromising integrity.

So next time you see one of these dramatic headlines, take a moment to reflect — is the article worth your time, or are you falling for the lure of extremes? Thoughtful consideration of language nuances can help ensure that bold headlines engage without alienating audiences.