In “Rage-bait: More Heat, Less Light,” Arfeen Mulla challenges the pervasive allure of anger on social media, which has transformed frustration into a profitable business model. Through engaging analysis, he reveals how platforms like Meta profit from our outrage, fueling a continuous cycle of engagement that dulls our attention spans and breeds cynicism. Mulla highlights the dangers of this emotional trap, where important societal issues are overshadowed by sensational content, leaving us ill-prepared for meaningful discourse.
He argues that while anger can be a catalyst for change, it often distracts us from real issues that require patience and nuanced conversation. With tangible strategies to combat this phenomenon—such as consuming slower content, diversifying our information sources, and fact-checking claims—Mulla encourages viewers to reclaim their emotional agency. Ultimately, he advocates for quiet reflection and critical thinking in a noisy world, positioning these skills as vital tools for navigating a landscape rife with emotional manipulation. The talk is a wake-up call for a generation that risks becoming loud yet misinformed.
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Author Video Description
Ever clicked on a post just because it made you angry? That wasn’t a mistake, that was rage-bait, a weapon to profit off our distraction, and define our future, without us even noticing. Arfeen Mulla is a 16-year-old junior student at Kodaikanal International School. A jack of all trades, she especially enjoys debating on a wide range of topics. She is an avid writer for Youth Ki Awaaz and a passionate filmmaker, serving as the President of the Kodi Film Club, where she explores storytelling through short films in her free time. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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Video “Rage-bait: More Heat, Less Light | Arfeen Mulla | TEDxKodaikanal International School Youth” was uploaded on 10/13/2025 to Youtube Channel TEDx Talks