Surviving Social Media During This Contentious Campaign Season
When I first read Myrl's post several days ago on the ActiveRain network and then another glance at FaceBook, I couldn't agree more.
I remember many years ago when I would read about the campaign and politics on social networks.
I would find myself getting caught up in all the hearsay.
There are so many lies floating around the social networks, etc. about certain parties running for President, etc.
Please try not to be a victim of all the garbage, try not to let them suck you in emotionally ;o/
Please roll over to Myrl's (ORIGINAL) post and leave a comment as to how you feel about the subject matter!
It’s no secret that surviving social media with our sanity intact during this contentious campaign season isn’t always an easy task.
You may have friends with differing political views, going at it on your Facebook page.
While for the most part, I try to stay politically neutral on Facebook, it’s difficult when you come across posts and memes that promote views, which are totally lacking in truth, credibility and actual fact. You may feel hammered between the Democommies and the Republinazis!
It can be interesting to run some of those memes or posts through www.Factcheck.org, www.politifact.com, or www.snopes.com for accuracy. The number of posts deemed Inaccurate or False usually outnumbers those determined to be Accurate, by 2 to 1.
During our last presidential election, it became so obnoxious, I was compelled to “Unfriend” several Facebook “Friends” in an attempt to maintain some measure of tranquility. However, I have found a better way. By clicking the “Unfollow” button instead, you can still maintain your friends, but their obnoxious postings don’t show up on your newsfeed.
The following is a sampling of postings I’ve seen in the past several days. I ran them through the fact checkers to learn whether they were promoting FACT or FICTION:(1) Trump says, “Republicans are the dumbest Group of Voters.” This posting was deemed FALSE by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/1998-trump-people-quote
(2) Hillary Clinton said “Democrat voters are stupid and easily manipulated.” This posting was deemed FALSE by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/hillary-clinton-stupid-quote
(3) A photograph circulating that allegedly shows Hillary Clinton shaking hands with Osama Bin Laden. This photo has been deemed FALSE by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/politics/clintons/hillarybinladen.asp
(4) A news article claiming that Queen Elizabeth would try to take the United States back if Trump wins the Presidency. This has also been deemed FALSE by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/donald-trump-queen-england
(5) Shocking news that Fox News is co-owned by a Saudi Prince, accompanied with a picture of the prince with Megyn Kelly was deemed MOSTLY FALSE by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/fox-news-saudi-megyn-kelly
(6) A heroic story circulated about 40 Marines rescuing children from the Pentagon on 9/11, and then corralling their cribs in a circle to protect them, has also been declared FALSE by Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/rumors/glurge/daycare.asp
I think it is important to understand when you post misinformation on social media, your credibility pays a price. I understand we may all wish for our candidate to win, but if it takes a lie to do it, is that a good thing? I don’t think so! Also, if you actually believe the lie, then you may be supporting the wrong candidate!
Comments(12)