In recent years, the quality of moderation on social media platforms has significantly declined. What once began as vibrant spaces for connection and information-sharing have become increasingly chaotic and difficult to navigate. For many, social media serves as a go-to source for quick news snippetsāimportant stories that may not make it to mainstream media due to limited airtime or editorial priorities.
Social mediaās ability to spread information rapidly across borders has been one of its greatest strengths, fostering global conversations and awareness. However, this powerful tool for information sharing has also opened the floodgates to misinformation. In earlier days, many platforms employed content moderators to fact-check posts, limiting the spread of false or misleading claims. This system helped maintain a balance, ensuring that users received accurate, reliable information.
Unfortunately, this responsible approach to content oversight has steadily deteriorated. Over time, many social media companies have reduced their investments in moderation, scaling back efforts to combat misinformation. In some cases, platform owners and influential figuresāwho may wield unchecked power similar to political leadersācontribute to the problem by promoting unverified or misleading content themselves. These figures often seem immune to the very rules and standards they once championed, further eroding trust in the platforms they oversee.
The final blow came with the ban of TikTok, a platform once seen as a last bastion of truth amid a sea of misinformation. Its removal from major markets was heavily lobbied for by competing social media giants, who cited its Chinese ownership as a security threat. However, this reasoning appears flawed when considering the continued availability of numerous other Chinese-developed apps and games. The inconsistency in applying such scrutiny suggests ulterior motives driven by competitive advantage rather than genuine security concerns.
With TikTokās forced departure, trust in both political leaders and social media platforms has been deeply shaken. The unchecked spread of falsehoods, coupled with selective enforcement of regulations, has intensified public skepticism and further undermined the credibility of institutions that rely on an informed and engaged populace.
As moderation practices weaken, the spread of false information continues to accelerate, creating a more chaotic and less trustworthy online environment. If left unaddressed, this trend could have serious implications for public discourse, civic engagement, and the health of our democracies. To rebuild trust and ensure responsible content sharing, social media platforms must prioritize transparency, reinvest in fact-checking mechanisms, and hold all usersāregardless of statusāaccountable to the same standards of truth and integrity.
