#8- Misinformation and Fact-Checking

According to Dictionary.com,  misinformation is defined as "false or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive." 


On Wednesday, April 6th, 2022, Pinterest banned the posting of false information about climate change. They stated that they would remove any posts containing information that denies the impacts/existence of climate change. Pinterest also stated that any posts about false solutions to climate change will be banned as well. 

Pinterest also mentioned that they would remove any ads containing false information as well. If a person or ad continues to post false information about climate change, further punishment will be given depending on the case. Potential removal of their Pinterest accounts may occur. Pinterest in 2017 had already banned anti-vaccine and any conspiracy theories about political matters. 
"We see so much misinformation because the platforms have no real interest in deterring it," explained the technology and telecommunications analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics.

Forbes later mentions that platforms profit from these posts. The more false the information is, the more angry people will get, which in turn will cause people to have a large engagement. Platforms love people reacting to posts, so the majority of the time the platforms will not ban this type of activity. Pinterest though is making history in banning information about climate change. This may be seen as a poor business move, but in actuality, it isn't. Pinterest is now being talked about for its banning of climate change posts by CNN, Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, New York Times, Eco Watch, and so much more. Pinterest is the first ever social media platform to do this. This is a history-making move!




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