It’s really just to sucker someone.

The hot commodity today is your attention and sensational headlines are the key to getting it. The article doesn’t have to be accurate, nor does it even have to be true, just as long as someone clicks.

You may have even seen some “question” headlines that ask an outlandish question, then when you click on it, the immediate answer is no.
e.g. “Would you believe (celebrity) put their newborn in a dryer?”
*click*
“No, but that didn’t stop the rumors from starting about…”

Headlines sell!
Headlines are what keep sites alive!
It’s how Newsies sold papes!
It’s also easy to manipulate.

At the end, you have to ask what means more to you:
A sensational headline or meaningful content that’s changed you?

It seems we can’t have both.