FACE IT: WE’RE TO BLAME
For all social media’s ills, gullibility at fault, too
The problem is not the Russians, or even Facebook. The problem is us.
Why do cyberfakers keep infiltrating social media to stir up trouble and influence elections? Because we are gullible. Easy marks.
The latest announcement by Facebook that it had detected some “bad actors” who created 32 “inauthentic” accounts and pages shows that these cyberattackers are still out there, trying to sow dissension, fuel protests and tip elections.
They — maybe the Russians, maybe some other group — know that millions of people are on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter every day, just looking for a fight or a cause. And getting their alleged news from social media accounts.
Hey, Facebook can be great for connecting with old friends or support groups, or keeping up with events. But it’s not a reliable news organization, with real reporters and editors.
That fact doesn’t seem to be sinking in for many people, who instantly assume everything they read and hear about on social media is true. They need to get a real life.
The good news is these latest Facebook fakers don’t appear to be geniuses. If it was a plot to spur on angry protests, it didn’t get very far.
Some of the groups they created were pretty ridiculous.
The most followed Facebook pages were “Aztlan Warriers,” “Black Elevation,” “Mindful Being,” and “Resisters,” according to Facebook’s announcement. The other pages “had between zero and ten followers, and the Instagram accounts had zero followers.”
So basically your crazy uncle has more followers than these supposed cybersleuths.
“They ran about 150 ads for approximately $11,000 on Facebook and Instagram,” according to the Facebook post.
Not exactly a high-end operation.
Facebook says it’s cooperating with law enforcement authorities, but what do you do to people are who are nameless and experts at covering their tracks?
Facebook seems more interested in covering its own butt than finding the cyberattackers.
“We face determined, wellfunded adversaries who will never give up and are constantly changing tactics,” Facebook said. “It’s an arms race and we need to constantly improve, too.”
The public also needs to constantly improve. Because without our ignorance and gullibility, these groups wouldn’t even try to fake their way into our lives.
So don’t blame Facebook for everything. Or the Russians. We let it happen to us, and until we change our habits, this kind of cybertrickery will continue.
Here’s a suggestion: Put away Facebook for a few hours and think for yourself.