With a lot of social media platforms and people having the freedom to post whatever they like, inaccurate or fake news can be spread rapidly and cause chaos within our society. Recently, a student at University of Miami attempted to spread a rumor that his fictional roommate, an exchange student from china, had been infected with Coronavirus through a series of TikToks.
According to the school, the administration office at University of Miami, "Sent out a health advisory email denying any confirmed cases or immediate threat to the university" (Bruk). The student recognized that his prank was insensitive and inappropriate considering the seriousness of the situation. He promptly removed both videos.
The problem with TikTok is that it is such a fast growing social media platform that people use as a way of making funny videos and sharing information. People who hear and receive information their learn from TikTok accept the information as if it were a fact and the fake or inaccurate information is quickly spread to others. "The combination of trends and reliance on these platforms makes it easier for fake news to spread quickly and dangerously" (Bruk).
Social media platforms are facing a legal and ethical conflicts in which they want to tighten the reins while also keeping a user's first amendment right in tact. "In the United States, under section 230 of the Communication Decency Act, the law protects hosts from content published on their platform, while the constitution protects individuals' freedom of speech under the first amendment" (Bruk).
There is a lot of controversy and disagreements that argue why social media platforms have so much influence and how these platforms make sure users get the accurate information.
https://www.themiamihurricane.com/2020/02/01/um-student-uses-tiktok-to-spread-fake-news-about-coronavirus-on-campus/
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