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Covid 19
When the spread of coronavirus became a global pandemic, there was misinformation being spread across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok. Scientists didn't know exactly how the virus was transmitted, but there were all kinds of videos about why you should or shouldn't wear a mask or social distance. Also, social media spread fear about obtaining food and other essentials, such as toilet paper, which led to people stocking up and supplies running low. -
January 6th Attack on US Capitol
Following the 2020 election of Biden, conspiracies about voter fraud spread across the internet on social media platforms such as Facebook, Tik Tok, and Twitter. Trump himself tweeted "Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!" which arguably encouraged the rioting. -
Russia Invading Ukraine
After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, information about and awareness of the war spread on social media sites like Tik Tok, Facebook, and Twitter. People who never would have cared about the war in the past were suddenly passionate about it, because it was all over social media. Ukrainians were posting to gain support, while Russian media spread propaganda. -
Israel-Hamas War
In 2023, the conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated when Hamas attacked Israel, and Israel declared war. On social media platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, and Twitter, information and misinformation spread rapidly. People on both sides of the conflict spread propaganda and organized protests. -
2024 Election Fraud Conspiracies
After the most recent election, conspiracies once again spread about the possibility of election fraud. People on Twitter, Tik Tok, and other platforms spread misinformation and conspiracy theories about Trump and Musk rigging the election. (I absolutely cannot stand Elon Musk and wouldn't be surprised if he did commit voter fraud, but I know the theories were not based on facts and were not helpful whatsoever.)