Fake News and Social Media

Lindsay Wielonski

lw293117@ohio.edu

Today, it's easier than ever to spread misinformation online quickly. Social media influencers with thousands of followers have platforms that allow them to share their points of view within a matter of minutes. To journalists, this instantaneous nature of social media is both a blessing and a curse for informing the public about pressing and time-sensitive issues. 

Anyone, regardless of credibility, can post whatever they want with few restrictions on social networks. That practice makes for an online environment where rumors can spread like wildfire. People who lack education but have many followers have the power to convince people to adopt harmful lifestyles. For example, many influencers who spread health-related content have a large platform, but in reality, they lack credentials and science-based research to make their information trustworthy. 

A recent study published in the "Science" journal revealed that fake news spreads substantially faster than real news on Twitter, even when removing bot accounts. Why would false information travel faster? The study's researchers suggest that fake news spreads faster because of its novelty. I agree – fake news can be more eye-catching and emotionally provocative than real news. 

People have different motives for posting fake news. Some want to sway public opinion, while others unknowingly post false information without knowing its long-term effects. Regardless of intent, fake news has lasting implications. For instance, false information about COVID-19 led to increased accidental poisonings after former president Donald Trump suggested that bleach injections could help kill the COVID-19 virus. A study conducted by the CDC revealed that in January, February, and March of 2020, bleach poisonings rose 7%, 1%, and 59%. 

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock 

In addition to affecting physical health, fake news can also scar people emotionally. For example, David Wheeler, parent of school shooting victim Benjamin Wheeler, had rumors started about him on social media that impersonated him and accused him of fraud. Some parents of victims even received death threats. 

Fake news has the power to divide, drastically affect people's health and security, turn people against each other, sway political campaigns, and ruin reputations. Yet, so much is acceptable under the umbrella of free speech. In my opinion, social media networks should take on more of a responsibility of fact-checking content. Users have the freedom to say whatever they want, but platforms as private companies also can ban accounts that spread misinformation. Social networks must implement a better way of establishing credibility and fact-checking before misinformation goes viral.