Misinformation can easily spread by social media for a number of reasons.
Factors contributing to the spread of misinformation by social media:
(1) little or no control of most content
(2) few barriers on who can post information (no gatekeepers)
(3) no requirement for authors to provide evidence for statements
(4) personality traits of the person making the post
(5) insufficient understanding about consequences of posting
(6) willingness of content viewers to accept the veracity of the information without question, made worse when there is a sense of shared identity leading to false trust
(7) failing to understand the potential consequences of following a recommendation
(8) lack of repercussions for harm done
(9) distrust of societal authorities and/or willingness to try something new
Life can be a complex and few have the knowledge and wisdom to navigate it safely. When a foolish person is allowed to act in an unrestrained manner it should not be a surprise that bad things happen.
