Social
media, for better or worse, is a part of 21st-century culture and it's has been
deeply ingrained in the daily lives, experiences and viewpoints of Americans of
all ages. Millennials and new generations
don't know a world without Instagram, Facebook and Google. Intersecting daily with social media networks it’s
simply their reality.
Social
media connects users across the world, allowing them to share ideas, thoughts,
and content. While the dangers of social media are prominent in teachings to
youth, the entire spectrum of what exactly is dangerous may not be covered.
Students are warned of the consequences of posting scandalous photos or
inappropriate comments. However, there are other important concerns to take
into consideration when it comes to social media communication. One of these
important social issues is the fact that many people are getting badly
influenced by “fake news”.
As
a result of this concerning trend, some social networks are taking action. Now,
Facebook is letting its users flag news stories as fake or a hoax and working
with fact checkers to vet them, it is the first effort to address fake news
since the United States election. Facebook stated on Dec. 15 that it is taking
steps to weed out “the worst of the worst” fake news from its platform.
So, be responsible, get educated and don’t
believe everything you read in social media platforms. Always check with
reliable sources first before sharing any news.