A headline is the main title of an article, typically positioned at the very top, above the byline in newspapers, websites, or other media outlets. Its primary purpose is to encapsulate the essence of the news story in as few words as possible, delivering a quick snapshot that informs or entices the reader.
Headlines are crafted to grab immediate attention, often using bold language or striking phrasing to spark curiosity. In many cases, the headline summarizes the core point of the article, aiming to draw readers in to explore the full story. Sometimes, it may deliberately obscure or oversimplify the content to create intrigue prompting readers to dig deeper for the full context.
However, headlines can also be intentionally manipulative, especially in politically charged or controversial news. In such cases, the headline might distort or exaggerate the truth, misleading those who only glance at it without reading the entire article. This practice exploits the reality that many readers consume news at a glance, allowing misinformation or biased narratives to spread through selective or misleading headline framing.