‘‘Once we looked to the mainstream media to inform us. Now we’ve grown leery of fraud.’’ — Kathy Barnette.
There is a “new bird” in town, flying high above other birds, this new bird is spreading and distributing untrue and hoax information, the new town crier has nothing true to say: all it says are lies causing troubles to the people — this new bird is “fake news” which is flying high all over the social media.
The emergence of social media suppressed the activities of traditional media, with it came along the increasing spread of fake news which also want to suppress the authentic news.
Fake news has become so popular then genuine/true news which has however mislead people from the truth. The rod called fake news has become a major negative effect of social media, it has led many to the road to nowhere. So many people have been victims of corrupt news which in many cases is filled with scandalous intents.
But guess what, Fake news did not come alone, it came with its partner called fraud, “social media fraud” to be specific. From hacking of peoples social media account for fraudulent purpose to scamming people via social media channels, fraudsters have taken over the social media channels and as the landlord with dogs will write on his gate — ‘Beware of dogs’, so are social media users are to ”Beware of fraudsters”.
One of the benefit of Social media is for social interaction and also, to learn many helping things. So disappointing that people who go on social media to relax and interact had become prey to the hungry fraudsters.
Misinformation is another major negative effect of social media and no thanks to the people who polluted the social media with all sort of poisonous information which has no benefit than to endanger the public hearing. It is so unfortunate that the fake news syndrome has grown wings flying higher then original and authentic news, isn’t it saddening to see many people being misled and many will be scammed as a result of these untrue information. In real sense it is ironical that some people find joy in spreading fake news as a result of hatred and many spread fake news due to ignorance.
What’s heart breaking about these twin negative effect of social media is that they became popular during trying times, they spread at a time people need genuine information, at these crucial period everybody becomes a journalist, many spread nothing than untrue story that only spread anger and mislead the general public.
Adesola is an average aged Nigerian, He strives to make a living, he used his bank app platform to inquire some important information but lo and behold, he fell into the hands of hungry social media fraudster who scammed him of his entire annually savings. He was devastated and sad. Oh! poor Adesola, he came on social media for help but unfortunately he left with a heavy heart and so many unanswered questions.
So many social media users have at one point been a victim like Adesola, they met with fraudsters, some were fortunate while others couldn’t escape the rod of the fraudsters, they ended up becoming a prey devoured by the wicked fraudsters.
Pablo Reyes said, ‘‘Believe half of what you see and nothing you read online” although it is not a gainsay to conclude that fake news dwell on social media but no matter the increasing rate of fake news there are still genuine news on social media. It is not a fallacy that the fake news industry is growing stronger day by day.
Social media users must be extra careful when dealing online with people especially when it is money related and whenever any information or news has flooded social media, the authenticity and credibility of the news should be verified, there are genuine news platform which real news can be verified, any information not from a reliable and credible source should be discarded.
At this crucial time of a ravaging pandemic, when people are to adhere to the principle of social distancing, social media has become a rescue ground to kill boredom and to get busy; remember that at this crucial time as well many people are jobless and as such have become nuisance on social media spreading fake news and scandalous news.
In the words of John Dryden, he said ‘‘When I consider Life, ’tis all a cheat; Yet, fooled with hope, men favour the deceit; Trust on, and think to-morrow will repay: To-morrow’s falser than the former day; Lies worse; and while it says, we shall be blest with some new joys, cuts off what we possesst.”
Beware of fake news and fraudsters, Oh ye social media users. Social media is no longer a safe haven.
