Harmless Gossip or Defamatory Falsehood? Obsession with Clicks and Profit Leading to an Increase in Defamation by Social Media Influencers
As the popularity and prevalence of social media platforms continue to rise, it’s no surprise that instances of defamation amongst users are also increasing. Influencers and other social media users with high numbers of followers have a significant reach, and their content can reach thousands and even millions of people worldwide. Because of this, they need to consider what they choose to post carefully. What is Defamation? Social media influencers can be sued for defamation, but what exactly is defamation from a legal standpoint? Defamation is a false statement that causes harm to someone. Precise legal standards will vary from state to state, but the general basis for proving defamation includes the following: - The influencer published the statement or made it public online - The plaintiff was clearly identified as the subject of the falsehood - ...