As the Ebola epidemic unfolds, Internet users should be aware of scams, fake articles and links containing viruses circulating social media channels.
One link floating around Facebook is an article citing an Ebola case confirmed in Ocala, which is not true. Once users click on the link from Feednewz, a create-your-own-prank website, it alerts people they’ve been pranked.
But not everyone clicks the link before sharing, thus the frenzy.
“There’s a lot of stuff on the Internet that’s not true, and it’s up to the individual to verify it themselves,” said Andrew Selepak, director of UF’s Masters of Arts in Mass Communication in social media. “Otherwise, you kind of embarrass yourself by sharing something or spreading something that isn’t true.”
Selepak said this phenomenon happens often during times of disasters. He said he commonly sees people sharing links to fake news stories on Facebook.
“Sadly enough, there’s always going to be people that like to stir the pot or like to take advantage of the ignorance and goodwill of others,” he said, “and social media is simply allowing people to do it on a grander scale to a wider audience.”
One thing Internet users can do is research information for themselves, using websites like Snopes, Selepak said. Snopes currently has a list of the top 25 hottest urban legends, which currently includes a handful of Ebola-related articles.
“That website is really good for helping people kind of get through these rumors that are getting thrown around the Internet that aren’t true,” Selepak said.
UF biology sophomore Pam Inglett said she would have clicked on the link, just in case it were true. She said she doesn’t think these practices are ethical.
“People shouldn’t be tricked,” the 19-year-old said. “(They) are scared right now.”
