What are ‘rage bait’ influencers?

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “I realised that videos really blow up when there’s like controversial things going on in the video,” 22-year-old New York influencer Winta Zesu explained to Rolling Stone. “Many people believe that my content is rage-baiting simply because they’re uncomfortable with the reality Black people and other people of colour face in this world,” Bradley told the outlet. I don’t believe in sugarcoating issues … so if people feel that I’m rage-baiting, you should ask yourself: ‘what is she trying to get us to see?’” Data suggests that videos with an angry tone are quicker to go viral on social media than a more positive message. “The goal of social media platforms is to keep people engaged for as long as possible,” University of Buffalo professor Yotam Ophir - who specialises in misinformation and extremism - told the outlet.