Why we should never write "Amen" in Facebook posts and some tips for recognizing a fake photo
Internet is a great resource, unparalleled for gathering information, for sharing news, and for communicating.
At the same time, however, it can be a dangerous and insidious trap, because behind a keyboard anyone can be hiding, and not always animated by the best intentions.
Among the many stratagems and scams, there is one in particular that combines the power of social media and solidarity. Here, in detail, is what we are talking about.
via CBS News
Often on Facebook, there are postings that portray people of all ages, confined to a hospital bed because they suffer from rare diseases and are fighting for their lives.
The images are almost always accompanied by phrases that have an emotional effect on people, inciting them to click a 'like'.
The objective in question is to invoke the user to write the word "Amen" under the post and to share in turn the photo to make others do the same.
Complying with this request is wrong because almost always the unfortunate people who are the subject of the post are absolutely unaware of the fact that their identity has been used.
In the worst cases, it is someone who regrettably did not make it but whose image is still being abused.
What advantage is there in using this cheap trick to simply get a "like'? The gimmick is that after a certain number of shares the page can change its name, using the contacts acquired for commercial purposes on web platforms that are monetized for each accumulated click.
To be sure of the authenticity of a post, you can use the Chrome search tool that allows you to carry out a network search with the option "search the image on Google".
Based on the results obtained, it is then possible to verify which and how many times that particular photo has been used, on which sites, and if the sources have been changed each time.
This is a small precaution that not only can help us avoid falling victim to childish marketing strategies, but it also becomes a form of respect for the unfortunate protagonists of these photos, and for their families.
