AI Says...
In the modern world, social media plays a central role in communication and the dissemination of information. For public figures such as athletes, coaches, artists, and other media personalities, having an official presence on these platforms has become a necessity, if not an outright obligation. This dynamic is largely driven by the proliferation of fake accounts, often created to spread false information, fuel controversies, or exploit their notoriety for malicious purposes.
A Threat to Authenticity and Reputation
The absence of an official account exposes public figures to significant risks. Fake accounts, often difficult to distinguish from genuine ones, can spread false or defamatory information. For instance, in 2022, accounts impersonating British actress Emma Watson disseminated controversial political messages, sparking heated debates over positions she had never expressed.
Another striking example involves former French football coach Laurent Blanc. In the absence of an official presence on social media, fake accounts falsely claimed he supported radical political ideas, triggering hostile reactions and damaging his reputation.
Social Media as Amplifiers of Disinformation
Disinformation thrives particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where scandalous and sensationalist content is promoted more than verified information. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, the platform has relaxed its moderation policies, making the fight against fake news even more challenging. This has led to a proliferation of misleading content, often driven by the engagement it generates.
A notable case is the fake account that announced Lionel Messi’s supposed signing with a Saudi club, causing a media frenzy. Sponsors and involved clubs had to issue clarifications, demonstrating how baseless information can lead to economic and emotional repercussions.
Disasters Caused by Absence on Social Media
Lacking a presence on social media can have real-world consequences. Consider the example of local politicians or emerging artists whose names are sometimes hijacked to spread hateful or fraudulent ideas. In South Africa, a fake account attributed to a rugby player led to protests after posting racist messages that were not from him. The situation required media interventions to set the record straight, but the damage was already done.
An Overwhelming Mental Burden
Being active on social media is not without consequences for public figures. They must constantly monitor their accounts to avoid hacking, respond to fan messages, and correct potential false information. The constant pressure to post relevant and engaging content while avoiding controversies generates a significant mental burden.
Additionally, continuous exposure to often toxic or hateful comments can severely affect mental health. Tennis champion Naomi Osaka has repeatedly spoken about the negative impact of social media on her mental health, at times opting to withdraw from competitions to safeguard her well-being.
Towards Better Regulation?
Part of the solution lies in stricter regulation of social media. Legislative initiatives in Europe, such as the Digital Services Act, aim to hold platforms accountable for the dissemination of harmful or false content. However, increased vigilance from public figures remains essential.
Conclusion
In a world where disinformation spreads faster than ever, the official presence of public figures on social media has become a necessary evil. However, this obligation comes with challenges, particularly in terms of mental burden and image management. Social media platforms must, in turn, take stronger measures to protect their users while ensuring a safer and more ethical digital environment.
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