The Quizification of News: How Gamification is Reinventing Journalism
In a media landscape dominated by the relentless scroll of social media, traditional news outlets are struggling to retain their audiences. Yet, amidst the digital deluge, a surprising trend is emerging: the rise of the news quiz. Once relegated to the realm of lighthearted entertainment, quizzes are now finding a place in serious journalistic endeavors, offering a fresh, engaging, and potentially more effective way to deliver information.
Patti Wolter, a journalism professor at Northwestern University, describes this phenomenon as a form of service journalism. "I would applaud quizzes that have reporting and information embedded in them," she says. "All we’re talking about is, what is the wrapper or the packaging that makes it more likely for the reader to engage? In a world in which every kind of media, news or otherwise, is really hunting for different ways of getting people to click it, being creative around story format is a strong strategy."
The quiz format provides a unique opportunity to make complex issues more accessible and relatable. This approach is particularly effective in explaining nuanced topics or breaking down data into digestible chunks. For example, The Wall Street Journal recently published a poll titled "What Type of Voter Are You?" designed to share findings from a research study, while The Washington Post used a quiz titled "Can you spot bad financial advice on TikTok?" to raise awareness about misinformation on social media.
The quiz format also offers a compelling way to engage readers in a dialogue about the news. By presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to choose answers based on their own beliefs, quizzes can facilitate a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. "It forces a varied look at things," says journalism scholar Dr. Dowling. "Your quiz is going to have some sort of an output that tells you that there are other ways that others could have answered that quiz. And so the sociological takeaway, I think, is diversifying. I think it’s healthy because I got to think about myself vis-a-vis others.”
Embracing the Power of Engagement
This move towards gamification in news reporting also reflects a broader shift in how news is consumed. Social media platforms have become the primary source of news for many people, offering convenience, immediate access, and a sense of community. A Pew Research Center study found that 43% of American TikTok users get their news from the platform.
This migration to social media has left traditional news outlets facing a significant challenge: how to recapture the engagement and connection that readers find on platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Assistant Professor of Journalism Rawiya Kameir at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications argues that news organizations need to find ways to "figure out how to capture community and bring it back to the publications themselves."
The quiz format offers a potential solution. Quizzes, often focusing on lighter topics, provide a less daunting entry point for readers seeking a brief escape from the often stressful news cycle. They also facilitate a sense of personal reflection and connection. For example, The Washington Post’s "Are you ready to buy a house?" quiz provides readers with relevant information about the current mortgage rate and other homeownership statistics.
Kameir highlights the multi-faceted benefits of this approach, stating, "We forget that a lot of people also turn to these publications for entertainment and for enlightenment and for things other than pure life-or-death information. From the reader’s perspective, the benefits of quizzes are multifold. They’re fun, they’re engaging, they are a way to understand ourselves and each other a little bit better."
The Future of News: Engaging, Inclusive, and Informative
The rise of the news quiz marks a significant evolution in how news is consumed and presented. By embracing the power of gamification, news organizations can reach a wider audience, engage readers in meaningful ways, and facilitate a more nuanced understanding of complex issues. The success of this trend hinges on a commitment to journalistic integrity, accuracy, and responsible reporting.
While some critics may argue that this approach trivializes serious news, the potential benefits are undeniable. Quizzes offer a fresh, engaging way to deliver information, connect with readers, and, ultimately, contribute to a more informed and engaged public. As Wolter notes, "being creative around story format is a strong strategy" in a world where competing for attention is a constant battle. Perhaps the humble quiz is poised to play a surprisingly significant role in the future of news.
