Community Chat

[madzonie]

If a Facebook friend (in this case also a friend in real life) posts an article or link about a story that has been proven to be false, would you call them on it?  If so, in public so others can see?  Or via pm?

This happens over and over and over with this same friend.  We are on opposite sides of the political divide, so it almost feels like if I do say something, I'm "challenging" their beliefs or views.  

In this particular case, I've decided to do nothing.  But I'm just curious as to how others deal with issues like this.  

[tedEbear]

@madzonie-------I have several close friends and even family members that do this.  I ignore the posting, I love these people.----------tedEbear

[Zhills]

I think you made a wise decision! 

Usually those posts were sent to the FB friend and they just share the post because they don't know what else to do with them. 

I would ignore them or put them on "Restricted."

[shell garden]

Let someone else call them out on it and just sit back.  If no one does step up, ask yourself is it really worth the time and effort.  If it is, point out you read something different and give a source so they are able to read it too.  If it isn't important to you, just ignore or change the subject!

[Allegheny]

I would PM them.  I would only do so in an act of kindness to prevent them from embarrassing themselves by spreading incorrect or inaccurate information.

That being said, if this is something my friend did all the time and it has been brought to their attention, then I would assume they don't care and like you on this occasion, I would let it go.

[kdgn]

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@madzonie wrote:

If a Facebook friend (in this case also a friend in real life) posts an article or link about a story that has been proven to be false, would you call them on it?  If so, in public so others can see?  Or via pm?

This happens over and over and over with this same friend.  We are on opposite sides of the political divide, so it almost feels like if I do say something, I'm "challenging" their beliefs or views.  

In this particular case, I've decided to do nothing.  But I'm just curious as to how others deal with issues like this.  

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I have a SIL who has done this in the past-posted something that was proven to be false. I emailed her, told her what was found, included the link, etc. I was ignored and the post remained. 

When a couple of friends have done the same thing I've posted back that the information given is not factual and provided the information. They argued. That's when I decided to rarely challenge anything posted. They have no desire to have something they actually agree shown to be false. 

[GCR18]

If it bothered me that much, I'd talk with them in person.  I'd never do it on Facebook, but that's just me.  If they denied it or ignored it, I'd never mention it again.  At that point the decision is can I be friends with them or not.

[Moonchilde]

If it's political I never say a word. The unwritten rule on FB is do not challenge the veracity of what people post on their own page or their POV in a negative way. No one will appreciate it.

If it's non-political "in-the-news"/urban legend style of  stuff, you can post a Snopes "not true" link on their timeline; I have seen friends do that with their friends.

[esmeraldagooch]

Depends on what it is.  The post saying MZ was giving millions to facebook users if you share  the post, I have posted the snopes link saying it was false.  The BillGates giving away money went around forever too.l  Hate that.

[esmeraldagooch]

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@Moonchilde wrote:

If it's political I never say a word. The unwritten rule on FB is do not challenge the veracity of what people post on their own page or their POV in a negative way. No one will appreciate it.

If it's non-political "in-the-news"/urband legend style of  stuff, you can post a Snopes "not true" link on their timeline; I have seen friends do that with their friends.

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Funny I haven't heard it was taboo....