Hoaxes, social networks, rights, security and public health: two related case studies

Abstract

Introduction: This paper critically and rigorously examines the current role of social networks as producers and amplifiers of hoaxes on issues of rights, security, and public health. It addresses sexual aggressions, on the one hand, and the social and cultural consequences of the new wave of infections caused by monkeypox, on the other. As a starting hypothesis, social networks have been considered as elements increasingly used for the establishment and expansion of hoaxes that, more and more, tend to transmit hate speech. Methodology: To verify this assumption, the article developes a qualitative methodology consisting of analysing, comparing, and testing the veracity of the messages published on the indicated topics. Results: As a result, it was found that social networks have become platforms for the propagation of all kinds of fallacies capable of stigmatizing certain groups in two very sensitive areas of society: security and public health. Discussion: This has been possible through the trivialization of complex problems, criminalization of certain social groups and constant appeals to the purely visceral and emotional, arousing emotions that can reap political benefits. Conclusions: Therefore, it is concluded that the current crisis in its different dimensions (economic, social, health, ecological, media, political) generates a tendency towards the consolidation and expansion of criminalizing behaviours and messages