With false information doing the rounds on several social media platforms and highly-prejudiced views penetrating through our newsfeed, we all need a dose of hope in sensitive times like these. Is it upon social media to own up and take necessary steps to counter all the hate that is seeping through? We’ve tracked a few small steps that big corporations have taken up and would love to know your views on them:
1. Twitter updates its abuse policy and adds muting and reporting tools to combat trolls
by @ingridlunden via @techcrunch
The tech giant has at last taken steps to update its safety policy by helping users to weed out abusive tweets and users. Now, abusive or hurtful content can not only be reported by the ones who’ve been targeted, but also by other followers or bystanders. Also, the same upgrade now lets you mute conversations with words that have no importance to you. Less hatred, more patience. To what extent do you think this upgrade would help curb a negative environment? Comment below to let us know.
2. Facebook bans fake news from its ad network
In order to combat fake news, Facebook has decided to ban news websites that have been accused of spreading misinformation. By doing so, the company will be cutting off a huge chunk of their ad revenue source, very similar to what Google decided to do a few months back. However, what’s unclear is how Facebook will help identify these fake websites. Do you think they should be investing in a team who’d exclusively be devoted to building algorithms? Is there another alternative? Tell us in the comments below!
3. Tinder launches new trans-inclusive gender options
by @karissabe via @mashable
By rolling out new features that give people of all gender more options to identify themselves outside the binary of male or female, Tinder has opened the dialogue for the future of the dating world. Inclusivity remains a hot-button issue in the tech world, and progressive steps by the big players in the dating category of social apps only set the standards for the rest. We hope to see more apps including options like this while also paving the way for a far more inclusive environment. Read above for more about the current situation of gender-based online harassment.
4. New customizable book helps girls smash tech stereotypes
by @rebecca_ruiz via @mashable
A new book called Secret Code, which follows the adventures of a young girl who enjoys coding instead of doing daily chores, is what hope is made of. In the wake of rampant sexism nationwide, many parents have had to deal with the impact of the gender disparity in education and careers. By allowing the the creator to customize the ethnicity/race and appearance to reflect the reader, this book is a product that aims to reinstate the fact that girls and women thrive in engineering, science and tech and math careers too. Read on to learn about the other options that the book is planning to offer in the near future!
5. Twitter responds to a dad’s desperate plea to help his autistic son
by @LindsayJDavis via @mashable
When Twitter helps a dad fulfill his autistic son’s wishes, you know there still resides a lot of good on the Internet. By launching a Twitter campaign that went viral, #CupForBen managed to source replies from all over the globe. Other people who own the same cup have promised to send the cup to Ben’s dad, and the company who produced it has promised to look through the archives. It’s all about the good vibes, isn’t it?
Metter Media LLC is a Boston-based social media management company that implements community-based, localized social engagement strategies for small businesses and corporations alike. Need help with your social media? Email Lauren today.
