It is impossible to talk about the ease of sharing information through media and all the other good things without talking about the ease of sharing misinformation through media and the negative repercussions of giving everyone a “voice.” What do we do when people verbally attack one another online? Who holds politicians accountable when they lie to the people at home watching the television? Who takes the blame when news outlets start rumors to get quick views? The answer to all of these questions boils down to ourselves, in one way or another. We, the people, have to hold ourselves and each other accountable. We slander each other on sites such as Facebook. Unfriend those people! Nothing is obligating you to associate yourself with people who waste such a powerful tool on such menial things. 54th President of the United States Betty White (you know she’ll still be alive at this point) just used a podcast to claim that the moon is made of cheese and that Ronald Reagan invented the bicycle? Don’t listen to her podcast and share factual evidence. Stop clicking those click bait headlines with obvious rumors. These people and these companies only have a platform because we give them one. Controlling the spread of misinformation can be done by understanding how we propagate information on the web and removing platforms from people who abuse said platforms. We have the power to build fame and fortune for celebrities, we have the power to tear it back down. As popularized by Spider-Man… “With great power comes great responsibility.” We ultimately need to hold ourselves accountable for the rumors, lies, and hearsay.
Here is an article from the APA to elaborate more on understanding how misinformation spreads. It was off topic from my main points, but I feel like it is important!

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