Media and headline framing

Hype

Presentation that makes evidence sound more certain, dramatic, or useful than it is.

What it means

Definition

Hype: Hype can appear in headlines, press releases, social media, and article framing. It often compresses uncertainty into a simple exciting claim.

What it can tell you

It can help clarify what sort of evidence or claim is being discussed.

What it cannot tell you

It cannot, by itself, prove that the headline is accurate or clinically important.

Headline trap

Why this matters in headlines

A headline calling an early mouse finding a breakthrough cure is likely hype.