The problems of social media shaping opinions
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Social Media affects Public Opinion And It's Terrifying

Endless information is at our fingertips, but so is misinformation.

50
Social Media affects Public Opinion And It's Terrifying
https://www.pexels.com/photo/three-person-holding-smartphones-1061579/

I watched a news blurb that scared me. Odds are you have probably seen the video I am about to talk about. A young girl was selling water on the streets. Selling things on the street usually requires a permit. A woman, who lived in the apartment above, was disturbed by the noise the girl was making. She called the cops to see if what she was doing was illegal. In the video, the older woman calling the cops seemed like a horrible woman out to crush every little girl's dream. You wanted the young child to be able to sell her water, but I knew there had to be more to the story.

The young girl's mother videotaped the woman and created her to look like the villain and the viewer of social media bought into it. What they didn't know is that the little girl had been yelling and screaming right under the woman's apartment for hours. The woman was simply calling the police to see if what she was doing was even legal.

But the public was quick to make opinions and assumptions.

First, it was assumed that this was a race issue. The older woman was a blonde white female the young girl had darker skin. Discrimination and racism should never be tolerated, but it also cannot be fabricated. The woman didn't even speak to the young girl. She simply wanted peace and quiet. This was not an act of racism, and it shouldn't be classified as such.

Secondly, the mother was in control of what was posted. Therefore, only one side of the story was told. The older woman has received death threats and older hate mail. But I myself have called campus police when people were playing music loudly outside my dorm at one in the morning. If we only listen to one side of a story out perspectives will always be biased. Social media dangerously.

The women was being filmed without her consent. Everyone has bad days. I have no idea what that woman is going through. Maybe she did have malicious intent, but regardless it is wrong to film others in a negative way without their permission. It violates privacy and individual rights.

The little girl ended up being the winner even though the world may never know the full story. Apparently, the girl was trying to raise money to go to Disney world. After this story went viral, the girl was sent tickets to Disney World. Reinforcing the manipulation of information.

I don't know the truth of what went down that day, but neither does the public. Yet, people make snap judgments based off of little information. That scares me. Anyone can be made the bad guy in a photo or video. The truth can easily be distorted on the internet, be careful what you choose to believe.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

68548
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

43797
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

968651
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments