Think before you hit send
For those in print media, it’s frustrating that comments made on social media are never held to the same standard as print journalism. It was therefore refreshing to see a B.C. Supreme Court judge rule in favour of Amara Wedding, a Vancouver-based company which offered services including photography, hair, planning, tuxedo rentals, flowers, and makeup.
A customer was unhappy with the service and took the company to small claims court (fair enough), but had it tossed as the judge sided with Amara Wedding. Then, things got nasty. Operators Kevin Leung and his wife Kitty Chan were libelled online, called a “major scam” and “deceitful.” The attacks by the disgruntled customer were continuous and posted on multiple English and Chinese websites.
The couple made repeated requests for an apology and for the offending posts to be taken down.
The saga finally ended this month — again in a B.C. courtroom — and the couple was awarded $115,000 in damages. The judge ruled that the statements were simply untrue. The hateful and dishonest posts caused significant damage to their reputation and to their business.
First they had to lay off employees and then they eventually closed the doors to their business.
Some people are giggling about this story, not knowing the background. Who hasn’t had a laugh at someone else’s expense over Bridezillas or weddings from hell?
But, this specific case will be one for the ages.
The average person is extremely brave behind a computer screen. We’ve all, at least once, posted something online that we’ve regretted, but were able to quickly take it down.
This wasn’t the case. The attacks were constant.
Everybody has the right to complain about poor service. There are proper avenues that can be taken. In the case of the plaintiff, she chose an appropriate option of going through the court system, but lost.
She then sought vengeance by going online.
Too much of social media is hate-spewing gossip. Some of the statements would get a print newspaper sued if they were ever published. But, in so many cases, if the same article is posted online, nobody takes it seriously. Fortunately, in this case, a judge did. This needs to be a reminder to everyone — always think before you hit send.