If someone with a strong following sends out a tweet, within minutes it’s spread across the platform. This is why it can be seriously damaging if people with power say the wrong thing. Sometimes it could be a careless accident. They themselves may be misinformed. However, some accounts will tweet controversial statements just for fun.
Twitter’s new privacy policy
Twitter have recently announced their new policy. It aims to crack down on the spreading of false information. Previously, people have been able to have their say, and providing the tweet isn’t seriously offensive, they could say what they liked. The problem with this is, people are able to spread information that isn’t true. You could perhaps tweet that PUSH isn’t the best Smart Link service and get away with it? No, we’re kidding. But, on a serious note, users could tweet incorrect information about perhaps a government or world event, and this could then spiral.
“To reduce potential harm, as soon as we have evidence that a claim may be misleading, we won’t amplify or recommend content that is covered by this policy across Twitter – including in the Home timeline, Search, and Explore.”
Twitter
Anyone will a large following can easily spread information within a matter of seconds. Depending on the size of your account, this could cover the platform. Often followers will believe what their idols say and help to share the message. This is extremely damaging for younger users. Following their favourite celebrities is great, but they have a habit of believing anything they say. Typically, celebrities will use their platform for good. However, sometimes this isn’t the case. If they disagree with something happening in the world, they could start tweeting about it.
Twitter to flag tweets spreading incorrect information
Having opinions is one thing. However, stating these as facts is extremely damaging. Sometimes, the users themselves might not even realise what they’re saying isn’t the truth. They could have read it from an unreliable source and taken to Twitter to share the news with their followers. Before you know it, their message has spread far and wide and more and more people are now quoting the incorrect information. Content that contains incorrect information or information that hasn’t been confirmed can be flagged.
Having your tweet flagged doesn’t mean the tweet will be removed. However, instead, Twitter will place a warning over it. People who then choose to continue to read your tweet will do so knowing it might not be the truth. Especially with topics that affect multiple parties across the globe. For example, if you’re tweeting about war or corruption, your tweets may be flagged. This is because the information you’re sharing might not have been confirmed by officials themselves. Spreading incorrect information can be extremely dangerous and once it’s out there, it can’t be removed. Yes, the tweet can be deleted, but all the people who have seen it will continue to share the message.
