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Abstract:

In an era marked by the rapid dissemination of information through digital platforms, the discrepancy between headlines and the actual content of news articles has emerged as a concerning phenomenon. This study investigates the extent to which this inconsistency occurs in online media outlets operating in Kazakhstan and assesses its influence on readers' perceptions and decision-making.

To achieve these objectives, a mixed-methods approach is employed, involving content analysis of news articles from prominent online media sources in Kazakhstan and interview conducted among a diverse sample of readers. The content analysis aims to identify patterns of headline-content inconsistency and its potential causes, while the interview assesses readers' experiences, attitudes, and responses when encountering such discrepancies.

Preliminary findings suggest that headline-content inconsistency is indeed prevalent in online media in Kazakhstan, with various factors contributing to this phenomenon, including sensationalism, clickbait tactics, and editorial oversight. Furthermore, the research demonstrates that such inconsistencies can have a significant impact on readers, leading to decreased trust in media, increased susceptibility to misinformation, and altered perceptions of news events.

Keywords: Headline-content inconsistency, misinformation, online media, Kazakhstan, readers.