One can imagine the consternation felt by representatives of Funtown Splashtown USA last week. The popular Saco amusement park was denounced for an alleged incident involving the bullying of an autistic patron by a park employee.
Funtown’s dismay was understandable. The incident never occurred.
The barrage of negative comments came after reports surfaced of a similar happenstance at Splashtown, a Water Park in San Antonio, Texas, which maintains that the incident never took place. Whispers of the alleged bullying became full-throated screams when it was picked up by social media, and Internet users simply mistook one amusement park for the other.
Regardless of whether the bullying in Texas actually occurred, the flurry of negativity directed at the Saco establishment is representative of a rush to judgment that is all too common when rumors spread ”“ particularly on the Internet, which can be a breeding ground for both negativity and outright misinformation.
Now a pervasive medium, the Internet can also be a powerful tool for education and positive change ”“ when utilized properly, and with an appropriate degree of discernment.
Consider a story reported by the Journal Tribune earlier this year. In March, Jachin Caron, 25, was arrested and charged in connection with the theft of about $400 worth of art from Biddeford’s North Dam Mill. The Biddeford Police Department was able to identify Charon in part because it posted security footage of the theft on its Facebook page, inviting viewers to tease out the culprit’s identity. It wasn’t long before Rumford Police nabbed Caron for the crime.
“This case serves as a great example of how the community involvement works in assisting law enforcement to apprehend offenders,” read a post on BPD’s Facebook page at the time. “Without the information provided by several concerned citizens, we would not have come to this point in the investigation as quickly.”
So yes, social media can be a force for good. It can also be a fun and entertaining diversion, in measured doses. What’s concerning in the case of Funtown is that it can often be a fountain of misinformation. People have a tendency to believe what they read, without necessarily vetting their sources.
Ensuring the accuracy of information is the work of professionals: journalists, scientists, law enforcement officers, and others whose job it is to get things right. Bloggers and social media commenters can make valuable contributions to the discussion of a story or event, but should never be relied upon as the primary and most-trusted source ”“ particularly when it comes to accusations of a potentially inflammatory nature. And unlike the pros, these new media gurus don’t offer corrections when they get things wrong.
Funtown has since posted a clarification on its Facebook page, and has drawn apologies ”“ and expressions of relief ”“ from those who follow its postings. It’s just a shame the clarification was necessary in the first place. Despite the positives of social media, there are far better sources of information for both local and national events.
We suggest your local newspaper.
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