Don’t be fooled by fake news

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.