Wasaga Beach Facebook FAKE

Who is who and why do we hear from them here on Facebook?

When Social Media first came to light, it rapidly became apparent that people wanted to hear from their friends and neighbours, as part of their daily routines. So, we talked about community events, shared vacation or birthday photos and generally increased our interactions with those closest to us. It was GREAT!

It soon became apparent that these forums could also be used to influence those following your posts. Your feeds could be filled with clips and discussions linked to corporate advertising and the “commerce” aspect of Social Media was born.

The creators of these apps also took advantage of direct advertising opportunities as well, and Social Media started to compete with main stream media for those advertising dollars. Today MUCH of our “News” and current affairs information is shaped by what is written here.

Along with corporations, politicians also saw opportunity. I have shared before that my first recollection of politics in my Facebook feeds was when people started saying things like “our council needs to build us a bowling alley”. Back then (2012ish) I responded the same way I would now, by pointing out that it was NOT a Councils responsibility and, if it made sense financially, a business person would step up.

These early discussions also introduced us to a WIDE variety of users with strong opinions. Politicians saw opportunity back then to solicit the assistance of some of those who were considered articulate, and presented things well. Political discussions evolved naturally.

I was actually approached by Brian Smith during his first election campaign and asked to head up his Social Media team. I turned him down, but it was an eye opener in two major aspects. First was the fact that Social Media would be used to influence political support. Next was the fact that politicians were not simply going to “engage” with their constituents. Instead, they were going to use a “team”.

These days, the involvement of politicians and their “teams” has grown at a rapid pace. The problem is, it’s not all good growth. From grass roots efforts like those here in Wasaga Beach, to International top level matters, “teams” of people are mobilized to ensure you buy their product, or buy their story.

I certainly took advantage of Social Media back when Brian Smith first tried to sell our electrical distribution company (WDI). Not only did we have physical meetings and a sign sharing strategy, but an entire team of supporters jumped in and many were active on Facebook. Whenever someone came to Facebook and showed why we should sell, those interested in saving it would shine a light on all that was wrong with the decision to sell. Those involved with the “Save WDI” group simply rebutted all of the comments thrown out by BS supporters.

Individuals like Councilor Belanger started out by engaging social media on a regular basis to argue their WDI points, but the opposition was well organized and politicians like Joe B who engaged simply walked away. … or did they?

Suddenly, there was a new pattern. Somebody would raise an issue and Facebook saw a massive increase in new identities showing up to influence your opinions.

Some were clearly fake with names like “The Crowing Rooster” and others used real names but obviously, not their actual real names, like Drew Peacock. On several occasions, I (and others) have exposed some of these fakes. They have stolen photos of real people, inserted fake backgrounds and for what?…. To influence you, or to intimidate you.

But why worry about what someone called themselves as long as they made valid points? I tend to agree and I think the main deciding factor in deciding if these identities are to be taken seriously has to be decided by looking at their individual content.

I always encourage everyone looking at emerging debates to focus on the issues. Despite this, there are all kinds of people who simply attack the authors of one side of a debate. Most of these posts actually don’t even mention the original topic of discussion, they just ATTACK. What a shame!

There are several people in every community who simply don’t care what others think of them. They say whatever they want and have no concern for the repercussions. At least those people have their name and their reputation out there for all to see.

However, the identities that are created simply to lie and be rude and do so with zero accountability… these are the lowest form of life on the internet.

Of course, I am a realist as well and I recognize that there are people on all sides of most discussions that are 100% fake.

What makes the defining difference for me is to look at the content of their posts. If they wish to remain anonymous and make great points, why worry about who they are? If however, they are constantly rude and obnoxious, then that’s different.

The next time you see a stranger who has a picture of a meal or a population sign as their profile ID, click on their name. Chances are they will have no real history in their “about” section.

There are so many things you can do to shape your FB experience. First, if their comments are inappropriate… report them. Report them to Facebook and report them to the group admin where you see the comment.

Next, and this is the important part. Don’t worry about free speech. If it’s inappropriate… just try deleting their comment. There is also a hide feature. Finally, you can block them, but then if they continue to insult or lie about YOU, then you won’t even see it.

Unfortunately, the reality is that many people who have great ideas, incredible experience to share and a vast amount of knowledge… well, they just disengage. They leave and the rude poster wins. His/Her bullying works and voices of reason are silenced.

It’s a difficult situation as most Social Media is now controlled by corporations who say they don’t want to get involved with limiting speech. That leaves us deciding WHERE we choose to do our browsing. It also opens the door to organized teams of individuals who can bully you into silence.

In Wasaga Chronicle, I ask everyone to focus on issues, not on people. Over the next year or so I hope to build an audience NOT afraid to speak up.

I think it’s important to recognize the difference between speaking up and speaking out.

I speak out. I don’t mind being an instigator. I watch for things I see as wrong and I like to initiate conversations. Sometimes being the spark does put a target on your back, but by opening the conversations, it allows other to speak up.

Don’t let the fake ID’s attack and shut you down. Don’t let the obnoxious, deter you from sharing your opinions.

When it comes to politics, there is only one place where it’s 100% safe to say what you want and that is at the polling station every four years.

Unfortunately, those who have highly motivated ulterior motives spend years influencing those opinions by using Social Media.

I only have two more planned posts…. One addresses HOW we can stop the negative influences that affect elections. The final post will talk about WHY I embarked on this year long project and that will address the future use of “Wasaga Chronicle” as a platform for positive change.