Social media hoax confirmed
You’ve probably seen statuses on Facebook urging people to copy and paste a message in order to avoid losing privacy rights or face financial consequences.
Facebook has confirmed it’s all a hoax, but people have continued to share.
“I do have a handful of friends that shared like, you know, I’m keeping this private,” Says Andreas Yiannouris.
The post Yiannouris is referring to urges people to post a legal notice or risk losing copyright control of pictures and other content shared with family and friends.
Eli Hyman, a student at Salisbury University, says he’s seen another post that claims Facebook is going to charge people to keep profiles private.
“It’s a Facebook post saying they’re going to start charging a monthly rate for like 5.99, I think it was.” Says Hyman.
These two hoaxes are not the first time these viral posts have been floating around. According to Facebook, the same rumors have been circulating on newsfeeds since 2012. That was same year the social network reported reaching a milestone of more than one-billion users.
Facebook has denied the rumors all along and again on Monday. They played on a highly anticipated and legitimate announcement from NASA and stated “While there may be water on Mars, don’t believe everything you read on the internet today. Facebook is free and it always will be. And the thing about copying and pasting a legal notice is just a hoax. Stay safe out there, Earthlings!”
Dr. Haven Simmons is a professor in the Communication Arts Department at Salisbury University. He explains whether it’s a threat sent by phone, mail or an online post, a hoax is a hoax. He admits social media changed what is still a dangerous game.
“The difference, in my opinion, in the social media world…is that we all have that instant gratification thing going and we’re so tempted to respond,” Explains Dr. Simmons. “That’s where people make mistakes they really don’t govern their emotions long enough, so that’s the primary difference today.”
Dr. Simmons says Facebook is not the only social media site plagued by these hoaxes and a good rule of thumb to do your own research before you share.
