Hello Everyone, I Personally Feel Social Media Is Th

Hello Everyonei Personally Feel As Though Social Media Is The Factor

Hello everyone, I personally feel as though social media is the factor that has resulted in fake news being spread. I stand with this opinion because news stations have sources that they give credit to as they are sharing and publishing on their websites. When users of social media and other social media platforms change words around then we have fake news that spreads. Now for some reason the fake news always finds a way of spreading faster than the correct news who has facts that back up what was actually said. I believe it is unethical for companies to allow ads in order to promote controversial websites.

I find this to be unethical just because if companies are supporting these sorts of websites it will then entertain actions of normal citizens and promote it when in reality it should be something that is frowned upon. Since citizens will be exposed to these ads they would also be more likely to click on these and do some more reading on news that did not come from a credible sources. If a company is going to make ads in promoting a website with controversial views, I would recommend that they support unbiased opinions so that they can then reach everyone as an audience. Based on this case, the module resources, and your own experience, answer these questions: Who has or should have primary responsibility for managing fake news and its consequences (i.e., social media companies, advertising companies, business, everyday citizens, government authorities, or others)? Why? Is it unethical for a company to allow its ads to run on a controversial website—such as one that is promoting untested scientific data or one that includes what is commonly accepted as hate speech—even if doing so generates significant revenue for the company? Explain your position. In your response posts to your peers, share your own viewpoints and experience.

Paper For Above instruction

Fake news has become a significant issue in the digital age, largely fueled by the proliferation of social media platforms. These platforms have democratized information dissemination, allowing anyone to publish and share content globally. However, this democratization has also led to the spread of misinformation and disinformation with devastating consequences for individuals and society. Understanding who bears responsibility—whether social media companies, advertisers, governments, or individual users—is crucial in mitigating the spread of fake news and addressing its impacts.

Social media companies are arguably at the forefront of managing fake news because they control the platforms through which most information is disseminated. Their responsibility lies in implementing technological and policy measures to identify and limit the spread of false information. Algorithms can be designed to flag or demote content that is identified as false or misleading, and fact-checking partnerships can help verify the accuracy of viral posts. For example, Facebook and Twitter have introduced labels, warnings, and removal processes to combat misinformation (Vosoughi, Roy, & Aral, 2018). Nonetheless, their challenges include balancing free speech rights with the need for accurate information and avoiding censorship or bias accusations that can undermine public trust.

Advertising companies also play a role in the propagation of fake news, especially when their advertisements run on controversial websites. If these companies fund platforms that host misinformation or hate speech, they inadvertently endorse such content. Ethically, businesses should establish clear guidelines that prohibit supporting content that promotes unverified scientific data, hate speech, or other harmful misinformation. Failure to do so not only damages their reputation but also contributes to societal harm. Studies have shown that targeted advertisements can significantly influence public opinion (Lambrecht & Tucker, 2013). Therefore, responsible advertising practices are vital in curbing the influence of fake news.

Government authorities have a crucial role in establishing regulations and policies to combat misinformation. Countries like Germany have introduced strict laws requiring social media platforms to remove unlawful content swiftly (NetzDG Law). However, legislation must be carefully crafted to avoid infringing on free speech while penalizing malicious actors who intentionally spread falsehoods. International cooperation may also be necessary to address cross-border misinformation campaigns, especially those originating from hostile states or organized groups (Mihailidis & Viotty, 2017).

Individuals, or everyday citizens, hold responsibility through their choices in consuming and sharing information. Media literacy education is essential in equipping users to critically evaluate sources and discern credible information from misinformation. Social media literacy programs can empower users to recognize fake news and reduce its spread (Ashley, Maksl, & Craft, 2019). Ultimately, a well-informed citizenry is vital for a resilient information ecosystem.

In the ethical landscape, allowing advertising revenue to support websites that promote untested scientific claims or hate speech is highly problematic. Companies enabling such sites are complicit in perpetuating misinformation and hate, which can lead to real-world harm, including violence and discrimination. Ethical business practices demand that companies evaluate the societal impact of their advertising decisions. Supporting responsible, unbiased content aligns with corporate social responsibility principles and the broader goal of fostering an informed and respectful public sphere (Carroll, 2016).

In conclusion, managing fake news is a collective responsibility involving social media platforms, advertisers, governments, and individuals. While social media companies have the primary responsibility for platform regulation, advertisers must act ethically by avoiding support for harmful content. Governments should enact intelligent regulations, and citizens need media literacy skills. Ethically, perpetuating fake news and hate speech for profit is unacceptable, as it undermines social cohesion and democratic processes. Collaboration and accountability across all sectors are essential to combat the pervasive issue of fake news effectively.

References

• Ashley, S., Maksl, A., & Craft, S. (2019). News media literacy and conspiracy theory endorsement. Communications and the Public, 4(4), 415-435.
• Carroll, A. B. (2016). Corporate social responsibility: The centerpiece of strategic management. In Strategic management: A stakeholder approach (pp. 3-36). Cambridge University Press.
• Lambrecht, A., & Tucker, C. (2013). When does retargeting work and why? Journal of Marketing Research, 50(5), 561-576.
• Mihailidis, P., & Viotty, S. (2017). Spreadable mediated dissensus: Political participation, algorithms, and the role of media literacy. New Media & Society, 19(11-12), 1897-1913.
• Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. Science, 359(6380), 1146-1151.