More social networking…
Recently, someone started a rumor that Ruby Dee, actress, writer, activist, and very nice person, had died. The rumor spread so fast that people like Jesse Jackson and other well-known “tweeters” had to step up and deny the rumor. I’m reminded of Mark Twain’s comment, “reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” That was before the internet. Now, someone can start a rumor, and before long the whole world is talking about it. It has happened on a smaller scale, with devastating results. Careers have been damaged or ruined, families broken up, and lives lost due to suicide. It’s a bit scary the power that this amazing technology gives to those who care to abuse it. The use of this technology carries with it great responsibility. It’s one thing to have a bit of fun, tell a joke, make a point, or even whine (where DID people go to whine before Facebook and Twitter?) a bit, but saying clearly malicious things in unacceptable. Even if the piece is true, posting something on Twitter or Facebook is a craven sort of substitute for confronting a person directly. Spreading malicious things about an individual that are false should warrant a prison sentence. Just sayin’…
