The Growing Problem of 'Fame-Shaming' on Social Media
I can't deny that the age of social media has brought along with it many positive advancements in both society and technology, but not every element of it is quite so black and white. Social media has also brought its fair share of controversy, blurring lines between the acceptable and the unsavoury. One such trend, in my opinion, is the practice of 'fame-shaming'.
Fame-shaming is a form of online activism that consists of publicly outing supposed wrong-doers online by posting photographic or written 'evidence' of their activities for all the world to see. There have been countless well-publicised examples of this recently, from cases of animal cruelty to the debate on breast-feeding in public. These two examples perfectly highlight the crucial distinction here, in that fame-shaming, while sometimes successful as with the former, often misses the mark or targets the wrong people, such as in the latter case.
Just this morning, while flicking through Facebook, I came across an act of fame-shaming regarding a woman who had cut in line while waiting for parking spaces at an A&E department, resulting in a sick child with a suspected case of Meningitis being delayed in seeing a doctor. The child got the all clear, but the disgruntled mother quickly took to social media to out the inconsiderate party to anyone willing to listen. In this case, I am inclined to agree that the woman in question behaved wrongly, but as these stories go viral the backlash is often far more severe than the initial act. Some behaviour is horrible enough to deserve ample retribution, but social media has a way of blowing things out of proportion and the online behaviour of those commenting often becomes worse than the event they are speaking out against.
Another problem is that social media provides, by its very nature, a highly condensed version of events. One person's account rarely captures the full story, and this can result in a lot of hate and abuse being directed at undeserving people. There have been a few cases over the last year whereby someone has taken to Twitter to lambaste a certain individual, only to be outed themselves for lying about or exaggerating the events in question. Unfortunately, by the time this information comes to light the wrongly accused has already suffered an outpour of horrible sentiments and, all too often, threats of violence.
So while social media can be a very effective force for good, holding people accountable for their actions in both the physical and online world, I would urge caution before going on a vitriolic Twitter rant. You may unwittingly victimise the wrong person, be found guilty of defamation or open yourself up to the darker side of social media.
 |
| DailyBeast |
Just this morning, while flicking through Facebook, I came across an act of fame-shaming regarding a woman who had cut in line while waiting for parking spaces at an A&E department, resulting in a sick child with a suspected case of Meningitis being delayed in seeing a doctor. The child got the all clear, but the disgruntled mother quickly took to social media to out the inconsiderate party to anyone willing to listen. In this case, I am inclined to agree that the woman in question behaved wrongly, but as these stories go viral the backlash is often far more severe than the initial act. Some behaviour is horrible enough to deserve ample retribution, but social media has a way of blowing things out of proportion and the online behaviour of those commenting often becomes worse than the event they are speaking out against.
Another problem is that social media provides, by its very nature, a highly condensed version of events. One person's account rarely captures the full story, and this can result in a lot of hate and abuse being directed at undeserving people. There have been a few cases over the last year whereby someone has taken to Twitter to lambaste a certain individual, only to be outed themselves for lying about or exaggerating the events in question. Unfortunately, by the time this information comes to light the wrongly accused has already suffered an outpour of horrible sentiments and, all too often, threats of violence.
So while social media can be a very effective force for good, holding people accountable for their actions in both the physical and online world, I would urge caution before going on a vitriolic Twitter rant. You may unwittingly victimise the wrong person, be found guilty of defamation or open yourself up to the darker side of social media.
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers.
Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that
'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @SamAtSMF
Contact
us on Twitter,
on Facebook, or
leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or
management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
The Growing Problem of 'Fame-Shaming' on Social Media
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.