Click Bait – Guess Who Is The Next James Bond?
Disclaimer: This is an example of click bait.
Q: What’s wrong with this article?
A: It asks a question, while hiding the answer.
What you should know:
These articles pose a question, or make a statement that propose that they have the answer, but instead give you an endless series of paragraphs that force you through countless ads in the hopes that you might even accidentally click on one.
It may start with a brief history of a character like James Bond.
(insert advertisment.)
Then state previous actors who have played James Bond.
(insert advertisment.)
Now you’re thinking, “Get on with it already!”
But now you’re reading about some of the famous movies from the franchise.
(insert advertisment.)
And now you’re reading about rumors around other potential actors.
(insert advertisment.)
After all this empty scrolling it usually ends with no answer and a simple statement that no one knows, but eventually we’ll find out if any of these rumors are true.
You’ve just been suckered into giving them ad revenue, and completely wastng your time.
The following is an A.I. generated article.
The following article was generated by A.I. for the purposes of demonstrating how easily fake news can be manufactured, and how quickly misinformation can be spread.
While this is a rudimentary example it helps showcase the importance of news literacy in the digital age.
This technology is becoming more sophisticated by the day, and the best way to combat fake news is by staying informed on the technologies and tactics used by disruptive players who are trying to control the narrative.
We offer some tips for spotting these types of articles down below.
If you read it on the internets, it’s just gotta be true. – Abraham Lincoln
What was entered into the A.I. prompt: >
Write me an article about the history of the James Bond films and rumors of casting the next James Bond.
The article that A.I. generated: >
The History of the James Bond Films and Rumors of Casting the Next James Bond
For over half a century, the James Bond film franchise has captivated audiences worldwide with its suave British secret agent, high-stakes espionage, and heart-pounding action sequences. Spanning 25 films and featuring six different actors in the iconic role, the series has become synonymous with style, sophistication, and the pursuit of justice. As fans eagerly await the next installment, rumors abound regarding who will don the tuxedo as the next James Bond.
The first James Bond film, “Dr. No,” hit theaters in 1962, introducing audiences to the charismatic MI6 agent 007. With the suave Sean Connery in the lead, the film established the iconic character’s trademark elements, including his love for gadgets, sharp wit, and ability to charm the ladies. Connery went on to portray Bond in six more films, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise.
In 1969, George Lazenby took over the role of James Bond for a single film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Despite the film’s initial mixed reception, Lazenby’s portrayal of Bond has since gained appreciation for its emotional depth. However, due to reported conflicts and a desire to pursue other acting opportunities, Lazenby decided to step away from the role, opening the door for Connery’s return.
The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of Roger Moore as the face of James Bond. With his debonair demeanor and a touch of humor, Moore brought his unique charm to what was often seen as a more light-hearted era of the franchise. Starring in seven films, Moore became the longest-serving Bond actor to date.
Timothy Dalton took on the role in the late 1980s, portraying a grittier, more serious Bond in “The Living Daylights” and “Licence to Kill.” Unfortunately, external factors such as legal battles and a changing political landscape prevented Dalton from continuing his tenure as the iconic spy.
Pierce Brosnan revitalized the franchise in the 1990s and early 2000s with his portrayal of James Bond. Starring in four films, including “GoldenEye” and “Die Another Day,” Brosnan’s portrayal struck a balance between Connery’s suave sophistication and Moore’s tongue-in-cheek style. However, following the release of “Die Another Day” in 2002, Brosnan announced his departure, marking the end of his era as Bond.
In 2006, Daniel Craig took on the role of James Bond, bringing a more rugged and introspective version of the character to the screen in “Casino Royale.” Craig’s portrayal received critical acclaim, reinvigorating the franchise, and setting the stage for a new era of Bond films. Throughout his five-film run, including “Skyfall” and “Spectre,” Craig’s portrayal has been hailed as one of the best in the series.
With Daniel Craig’s upcoming departure from the coveted role, speculation is rife about who will succeed him as the next James Bond. Various names have been thrown into the rumor mill, igniting excitement and debate among fans. Among the names frequently mentioned are Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Richard Madden, each bringing their unique flair and talent to the role.
Idris Elba, a critically acclaimed actor known for his roles in “Luther” and “The Wire,” has been a fan favorite choice for years. Elba’s suave demeanor and commanding presence on screen make him a strong contender to embody the quintessential British spy.
Tom Hardy, renowned for his performances in “Inception” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” is another name often mentioned in discussions about the next James Bond. With his physicality and intensity, Hardy could bring a fresh energy to the role, combining elements of Craig’s grit with a touch of charismatic charm.
Richard Madden, who rose to fame as Robb Stark in “Game of Thrones” and recently starred in the hit film “Rocketman,” has also been speculated as a potential Bond candidate. Madden’s youthful, yet mature presence, coupled with his acting range, could rejuvenate the franchise and appeal to a younger audience.
As the long-standing tradition of the James Bond films continues to captivate audiences, the question of who will be the next actor to portray the iconic spy remains unanswered. Whether it ultimately be Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, Richard Madden or someone else entirely, the next James Bond promises to carry on the legacy of the character, embodying the suave sophistication and daring heroism that has made him a cinematic legend for generations.
About A.I. generated articles:
There are a number of sites and applications that provide the service of generating articles like the one above.
The user simply types in a prompt and within seconds the article is generated.
Hit copy / paste. Done.
Some services won’t allow certain phrases/words, but users are getting crafty in how to get past the ethical boundaries.
Additionally, there are myriad sites/apps that offer istock images, or can even generate them based upon your query.
The article above took seconds to generate as did the imagery.
If we can do it in a matter of seconds, think of what a bad actor in the space could accomplish?
The News Literacy Checklist:
You can be part of the solution.
Do you recognize it as a credible source?
Are other news outlets reporting the story?
Did you actually read the article?