They’re not as clever, or as impactful, as you think
I rarely go a day without seeing a social media comment that “politician A just put politician B in their place!” or that “A scored massive points with their clapback to B!”.
“A clapback is a quick, sharp, and often witty response to criticism or disrespect. The term is often used to describe a comeback that is particularly effective or memorable.”
– via perplexity.ai
No. Just … no.
I dispute the “particularly effective” part of that definition. At best, they’re just social media masturbation — you’re only pleasuring yourself.
Sorry for the crude analogy, but anyone posting a “politician A really showed politician B” comment is doing it only for themselves, whether or not they realize it.
Why?
To use that example:
- Politician B probably didn’t see whatever politician A said to begin with.
- If they did, B doesn’t agree.
- If they agree, B will say it’s irrelevant.
- B’s followers are unlikely to see it.
- B’s followers that do won’t see it as a clapback.
- B’s followers will see it as evidence that B has the advantage because A is desperate.
A didn’t “show” B anything. Nothing changed.
Only those in the same echo chamber will appreciate the comment.
If clapbacks are effective, they only make like-minded people feel better about themselves and their position.
Beyond that, it accomplishes absolutely nothing.
I wasn’t familiar with the phrase “clapback”, but I’ve seen way too much of the activity, and I have the same thoughts that you’ve expressed here when I see that type of headline or video title. I try very hard not to validate them by reading or watching their offerings, though it is hard at times. I’m as much of a nosey guppy as the next person. There have also been times when I’ve watched such a video (against my better judgement) and found it to actually be informative and interesting (while having little or nothing to do with the attention-grabbing title). On those occasions, I think how sad it is that the content offerer felt they had to use such a glaring title to get people to watch their video. I also somewhat mourn that the title is driving away people who might have found the information useful and educational.