Are you still using Facebook these days? Despite the negative buzz surrounding the world’s biggest social network, it’s user base continues to remain strong – even as the younger crowd flees in droves towards TikTok’s greener pastures.
And who can blame them, really? Between Facebook’s privacy issues and TikTok’s promise of instant virality, it makes sense why so many people are trying out the fun new platform. Tap or click here to see our beginner’s guide to TikTok.
There’s also one more issue with Facebook that’s putting a bad taste in many users’ mouths: How easy it is for hoaxes to spread on the platform. And now, security researchers are warning about several viral posts that are misinforming users. These posts aren’t inherently harmful, but they may give you a false sense of security when you need it the least.
According to security researchers at Sophos, there has been an uptick in seemingly “harmless” viral text posts on Facebook that may not bode well for users in the long term.
The researchers argue that although these posts don’t directly harm you, they can misinform you as to how the platform actually works, and potentially give you a false sense of security about your profile. This is especially dangerous with phishing and cyberattacks on the rise. Tap or click here to see two of the latest phishing campaigns detected.
The most popular of these hoax posts tend to come in three common forms:
1. Warnings to watch out for a dangerous risk – Most of the time, the so-called “risk” is non-existent or simply a misunderstanding of how Facebook actually works.
2. Instructions to copy and share specific text under threat of hackers, free speech and Facebook limitations – These are essentially chain-letters with a fresh coat of paint.
When it comes to finding information about coronavirus, there’s no shortage of online resources. That can include specific infection numbers in your area, tips on going back to restaurants again, when to expect a vaccine and just about anything else you can think of.
In the age of social media, news spreads fast. Not just real, trustworthy news either. Kim talks with Darren Linvill, Associate Professor of Communication at Clemson University, who studies social media misinformation. Learn about the unbelievable level of sophistication that goes into fake tweets to make them go viral, plus important advice on how you can spot and avoid spreading misinformation.
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Facebook has been a breeding ground for misinformation and conspiracy theories for some time now. The insular nature of Facebook groups as well as the company’s unwillingness to fact-check posts make it easy for viral conspiracy theories to spread like wildfire.
At this point in time, a majority of Americans have already received their stimulus checks from the federal government. Despite some initial issues with the rollout, the checks eventually arrived in the form of direct bank deposits, paper checks, and debit cards to millions of people over the past several weeks.
Misinformation, hoaxes and scams are rampant on the web. People are scared, and cybercriminals are taking advantage — hawking fake test kits, vaccines and financial aid, among other things. What do you need to know to stay safe? Kim talks to Tom Edwards, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge, and Lori Hodges, Vice President of North America Risk at Visa, about the dangers you’re facing online right now and the right steps to take if you’ve been scammed.
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Imagine if this pandemic had happened 10 or 15 years ago when the internet, along with our population, wasn’t as adept as it is today. Thankfully, we have tremendous tools at our fingertips that allow us to continue working, learning and thriving. But with the good comes the bad.
Staying informed during this coronavirus pandemic can help keep you safe. Just make sure to stick with trusted sources when looking for information. Remember, there is so much misinformation floating around online — especially on social media.
Over the weekend, a strange text message began to circulate around America. It warned recipients of an impending quarantine order and claimed the President of the United States would invoke martial law to control the spread of the COVID-19.
We’re definitely living in strange times. The coronavirus pandemic has most everyone in a panic, leading to empty grocery store shelves and a shortage on toilet paper. Not only that, but some stores are even running out of bags to pack and carry out the products and groceries you actually do find to buy.
The coronavirus pandemic isn’t the only thing spreading around the world right now. Fake news, misinformation and rumors are wildly circulating on social media, and it’s making a coordinated response to the virus much harder to achieve.
The novel coronavirus has made its way to American shores and people across the country are looking for ways to stay healthy. Disease control officials are advising citizens to keep calm and focus on precautionary hygiene measures, like washing your hands. Is that, along with staying home, enough?
The coronavirus outbreak has been dominating headlines for weeks now. It seems to have impacted every aspect of life, from the stock market taking a huge dive to retailers all over the country selling out of things like hand sanitizer. It’s everywhere.
COVID-19, better known as the coronavirus, has been spreading fear across the globe faster than the virus is spreading itself. There has been such a panic that stores aren’t able to keep hand sanitizer on their shelves and bottles are being sold by third parties online for up to $100. Crazy, right?
The coronavirus outbreak continues to make its way across the globe and health officials are urging Americans to be vigilant and prepare for the possibility of more cases. Currently, the numbers of infected in the U.S. are few, but the situation is fluid. Calm, proactive behavior is the key to staying healthy.
As the novel coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world, people are looking to the internet for answers on how to prepare. Public health agencies and governments alike are pushing for hygienic practices like hand-washing and staying home if you’re feverish, but not everyone is getting the memo.
The spread of the novel coronavirus is alarming for health officials and news junkies alike. But another, very different, group of viewers is paying attention to the news in hopes of making a quick buck: scammers.
We live in a golden age of scams, and nothing drives people into the arms of con artists like a genuine crisis. The number of infected people is growing rapidly and frightened internet users are desperately scouring the web for updates and cures. Tap or click to see some of the misinformation spreading online.
Kids these days. Give them a minute alone online and they’ll find some bizarre or potentially dangerous way to entertain themselves. That’s typically the reason why so many strange social media challenges emerge; and once they get popular enough, there’s no stopping the spread.
Did you hear the news? The Wuhan coronavirus has made its way to American shores! As of now, there have been 6 confirmed cases in the United States, and many more sick people are still waiting for a confirmation on their symptoms.
Coronavirus is dominating headlines, and people are scared. And where there’s fear, there’s fake news. Learn how to spot misinformation. Plus, Kim chats with former CEO of Microsoft and chairman of the LA Clippers Steve Ballmer about his new site, USAFacts.org. This week’s trivia is all about cell phones. Do you know how much the first handheld cell phone cost? All that and more on this episode of Komando On Demand: Insider Edition.
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