Key Highlights
- Users share ‘Click Here’ images, sparking debate
- Misuse of ‘ALT’ text criticized for accessibility concerns
- Urgent call for proper alt text usage to aid visually impair
Since last Saturday, X (formerly Twitter) has been abuzz with the viral “Click Here” trend, captivating users’ attention. While many have eagerly embraced this trend, others are left bewildered by its emergence. Notably, major political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Congress have actively participated in this trend through their official X pages. Here’s all you need to know. Also Read | X (Twitter) To Soon Allow Video, Audio Calling Without Any Phone Number
What Is The ‘Click Here’ Trend?
This new trend sees thousands of users sharing images featuring a simple white background with the bold statement “Click here” displayed prominently. Accompanying the text is a diagonal arrow pointing towards the “ALT” text located in the bottom left corner of the picture.
Explanation Of The “ALT” Text
The “ALT” text is a feature introduced by X in 2016, formerly known as Twitter. It allows users to add descriptions to the photos they share on the platform, aiming to make images accessible to visually impaired individuals. X highlighted the importance of this feature in a blog post, emphasizing inclusivity on their platform.
Some users have expressed concern over the misuse of the “ALT” text feature. They argue that repurposing this text for unrelated content goes against web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
How To Use This Feature
X’s blog post also provides guidance on utilizing this feature. Users can enable it through the “compose image descriptions” option in the app’s accessibility settings. This allows for the addition of descriptions to images, enhancing accessibility for visually impaired individuals who utilize assistive technology such as screen readers and braille displays. Descriptions can be up to 420 characters in length.
Also Read | Elon Musk’s Twitter: Genuine Followers Or Fakes Dominating the 153 Million?
‘Click Here’ Trend: What’s The Criticism?
In a 2023 BBC article, criticism arose against the “Click Here” trend, notably when major brands like McDonald’s and Red Bull embraced it. The trend’s misuse of accessibility technology for meme-sharing among sighted users raised concerns, deviating from its original purpose of aiding visually impaired individuals.
Conner Scott-Gardner’s correspondence with McDonald’s highlighted this, stressing the importance of alt text as a vital accessibility feature. He criticized the selective usage of alt text for convenience rather than its intended purpose. The controversy prompted discussions on the necessity for content creators to incorporate alt texts properly, echoing concerns raised in a 2022 New York Times article. Research findings underscored widespread neglect of alt text implementation, indicating the urgency for improved awareness and adherence to accessibility standards.
