For example, in the case where rumors about animals breaking out of the Seneca Park zoo, social media played a significantrole in conveying falsified information, which created tension to the public. In unity with the government, the zoo clarified the news by dismissing it through its social media handles, which calmed the public and ended the crisis. Thus, social media is a powerful communication tool if it is well managed.
Do you agree that as a measure of combating false reporting via social media and other unchecked media outlets that the given social media outlet should be responsible for removing the false content? Or should it be the responsibility of the Federal, State, and Local powers to be to provide current and valid information on almost an hourly basis to prevent people from even looking to other sources for potentially bad information? Perhaps as a part of Risk communication, there could be information provided to the public on how to identify potentially fake accounts that seek only to cause more confusion and chaos.
