The internet has proven to be an especially fertile ground for rumors about a person’s identity. And if we’re honest, none of us are above falling victim. Why these digital wildfires spread so fast, and how you can help save yourself — and your fellow humans — from them.
Algorithms Fuel the Fire, Period
It’s common to want to blame bad actors for disseminating misinformation. The real villain is often the stuff that drives social media’s algorithms. Platforms prioritize engagement above all else. Anger, indignation, and astonishment are what keep us all doom-scrolling. These high-octane feelings are precisely the type of content that algorithms crave to boost.
Think of it like this: you're at a party, and the DJ only plays the loudest, most controversial songs. Yes, some folks are going to dance, but honestly this is all about getting dialogue going – even if that’s just healthy debate. Social media algorithms are the new DJs of the digital age, and identity rumors are their favorite CPP playlist.
This isn't just a hypothetical problem. The Bonnie Blue case, where false rumors about Bonnie undergoing an identity transformation flooded the community, is a perfect example of this. The story, lacking any real basis in fact, exploded because it tapped into our fascination with identity and the algorithms amplified the sensationalism.
We're All Wired For Gossip, Admit It
If we’re honest with ourselves, for better or worse, humans are inherently curious. Identity fake-outs provide a fascinating window into another world, usually sizzling with a healthy dose of salaciousness or mystery. It’s reality show gone bad, with real-life disastrous consequences. This new voyeuristic fascination paired with the anonymity of the internet is a perfect storm for rumor propagation.
Just imagine for a second how fast information, especially unconfirmed information, travels around the whole company when there are rumors of impending layoffs. Those same psychological mechanisms are at work online. We love exclusivity just as much as we love being “in the know.” The thrill of passing along a real or imagined slander makes us feel powerful and connected, even if just for a moment.
Lack Verifiable Sources, Be Very Afraid
One of the most frustrating aspects of online identity gossip is the absence of primary sources. The Bonnie Blue case provides a textbook example. The speculation about it is fueled by the much more informal YouTube videos and Reddit threads, not direct guidance from documentation or trusted spokespersons.
Before you share anything, ask yourself: where did this information come from? Is it from a credible news outlet? Is there a Federal Register Notice or something like that to back up the assertion? If the answer is no, hit pause. Employ the "three-source rule" – if you can't find the information corroborated by three independent, credible sources, it's probably best to keep it to yourself.
Platforms Need To Step Up Now
Supporting accountability for platforms Although misinformation is spread by individuals, social media platforms have an ethical responsibility to take account of their role in propelling this misinformation. They have the ability to prioritize trusted, verified content and downrank rampant speculation that has gone viral, and yet they frequently don’t.
Picture if banks approached fraud with the same hands-off approach. They'd be bankrupt in weeks! Social media platforms should approach identity rumors with the same level of caution that they would if these identities were known. That could look like investing in more robust fact-checking tools, prioritizing proven reliable sources first, and increasing transparency regarding how their algorithms operate.
It's not enough to simply remove content after it's already gone viral. For one, platforms need to stop letting harmful misinformation run rampant before it creates a problem in the first place. Think of OnlyFans. Relatedly, just as they have advertising guidelines, they have content guidelines and content patterns that are considered problematic. Why can't bigger platforms do the same?
We Love a Good Transformation Story
Humans love a good story about someone who turned their life around. We love stories about weight loss transformations, career transitions, and changes of identity. These stories hook us and intrigue us. This fascination can be exploited.
Rumors about the identities of these performers play on our desire for a change narrative. We hold onto them even when there’s no proof supporting their veracity. This is particularly dangerous when the rumors are related to a student’s gender identity or sexual orientation.
"Outing" Someone Is Never Ok
Making fraudulent identity assertions may constitute both tortious and civil claims for defamation. Exposing people’s identities against their will and without their knowledge violates foundational ethical principles that privilege privacy rights. This is most the case for transgender and gender-nonconforming communities.
Think before you share. Ask yourself: am I potentially putting someone at risk by spreading this information? Am I respecting their privacy and autonomy? If you can't answer yes to both of those questions, don't share it.
Digital Literacy Is Your Superpower
In a time when viral rumors can spread fast, digital literacy is crucial. To combat this, we need to teach ourselves and our children to critically evaluate information on the internet. That means looking for warning signs such as emotional appeals, unnamed sources, absence of supporting documents while never sacrificing truth for clicks.
Fact-check before you share. Be skeptical of sensational stories. Oh, and one last thing—your online actions affect people in the real world. The bigger picture shows that our future largely hinges on our ability to tell truth from fiction in the digital age. Here’s how to ensure we’re all ready to meet the challenge. The price of inaction is simply too great.
