This is one of the hardest blogs I've ever had to write.It’s a beautiful world. And most of us want the world to be a better place. Social Media gives us the opportunity to make a positive impact on so many people. We, as individuals, can influence and make change. Social Media is powerful!
The question is: How far should we go to influence and make change? And what is the role of the social network as far as how extreme a post should be? When does it reach a point where we, good citizens that we are, have to report something that we feel is upsetting and distasteful?
This morning a friend messaged me about an extremely offensive video on Facebook and asked me to report it. He was informed about it from a Facebook friend. Unfortunately, he viewed the video. It shook him up terribly. He later stated in a message to me “I will do a mental cleaning later today from after seeing it.”
Facebook’s response after my friend reported this video was this:
“Thanks for your report. We reviewed the video you reported, but found it doesn't violate Facebook's Community Standard on graphic violence, which includes depicting harm to someone or something, threats to the public's safety, or theft and vandalism.”
Facebook does not consider a video of a dog being set on fire to be graphic violence! The video is over 2 minutes long and the dog was very much in pain and still alive at the end of the clip (according to my friend). And who knows what happened after that? A small, innocent animal that did not deserve this treatment!
You are probably shaking your head right now in bewilderment.
After I found out about the video I reported it. My friend stated NOT to view it and I haven’t. I urge you to report it as well: Please do NOT look at it. The URL is: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=448055848620298
When clicking on the URL hit pause immediately at the bottom left of the video. Just below the video on the right you'll see where you can report it:
On April 15th a female publicly posted it on her personal profile. The accompanying comment was in Spanish. Translated she is saying this: “Like and share if you hate these people.” Is she is sympathizing with the dog? No information given about who “these people” are. Regardless of whether or not she is feeling compassion, a video such as this one simply shouldn’t be on Facebook! 1,589 likes, over 950 comments, and over 3,000 shares.
SHAME on you Facebook!
We all want to find who did this and bring them to justice, however, is posting something so disturbing and heart wrenching the best way to get the point across?
As a user of Facebook I do not want to be subjected to posts like this. Nor do I want my friends subjected to them.
Today I learned something new about Facebook, namely their policies that allow posts like this. I am disgusted and appalled by Facebook’s acceptance of videos such as this one. I certainly hope that other social networks are more socially responsible.
This is an example of social media at its worst.
Would like to hear your comments on this subject and perhaps we can eliminate posts like this in the future. Imagine if your child saw this video? There are plenty of young people on Facebook and this is a public post.
Together and as individuals, we can make a change. I hope that my words will be read and inspire others to take action.
If you would like to contact me directly, visit the MODern Marketing 4 U/ ModlandUSA Facebook page and message through there.
