I don’t know about you, but I don’t really like Facebook. The site’s design is poor, the size of the posts is inefficient on browser, the mobile app autoplays any video at what seems like maximum volume and the content that winds up at my door is lame in quality compared to what I’d get on Twitter.
But I need to keep up with my family and chat with friends through Facebook Messenger. Recently, however, I came the closest I’ve ever come to leaving the site behind with the recent Cambridge Analytica scandal.
This is where President Donald Trump sort of enters the mix.
For those who don’t know how this scandal played out, the data of 50 million Facebook users was taken by Cambridge Analytica — a group with the backing of now-former Breitbart financier Robert Mercer — ostensibly for research purposes. They then used that data to campaign for Republican candidates, including Trump himself.
We don’t know how far the needle was pushed thanks to Cambridge Analytica, as it’s impossible to know why every voter voted the way they did in 2016. This applies to any influence endeavor, be it the ones undertaken by domestic political campaigns or by our foreign adversaries.
But, at the same time, it takes two to tango, and this is where George Soros is telling me to tell you what you can do. No matter what platform you’re on, approach any political story, meme, claim or advertisement with a critical eye, and not just ones that favor a conservative viewpoint. Republicans might have it worse in that their chosen president believes dubious claims instead of his own intelligence agencies and the scientific community, but nobody is immune.
Do your research, for God’s sake. We grew up learning that not everything you see on the internet is true, after all. Next time you see a something pop up on Facebook with a shady source, Google it. Just double check before you spout "fake news" as the truth.
Logan Graham is a senior studying media arts with a focus in games and animation at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts on Cambridge Analytica? Let Logan know by emailing him at lg261813@ohio.edu.
