In 2019, Mark Zuckerberg testified to Congress that Facebook will exempt political ads and messages from fact-checkers because that is a limitation of freedom of speech. Their argument was that political turmoil, speech, and ads help each party, while also hurting, but that is a part of the job. This poses a question to our democracy of what “counts” as “hate speech” or “fake news”. Should it even count? Does it matter?
Social media is a place where virtual activism has influenced policy, politicians, gotten bigoted people fired from their jobs, and brought awareness to many of the social problems that different groups face within the American society.
Social Media is going to be another avenue in which 2020 Presidential Candidates use to reach their target audience and broadcast their message. Using available platforms will be pivotal in helping candidates distinguish themselves from their opponent. The fact that you can lose your job within a week of “backlash”, lose millions of dollars in revenue because of a boycott from backlash, gives you an insight into how powerful and careful 2020 candidates must be with their social media. Whether you agree or disagree, will be up to you.
https://www.pbs.org/weta/washingtonweek/web-video/what-role-will-social-media-play-2020-election
LIS 4022 Spring 2020 