Mediawatch
WCC frenzy, dodging the news, scam ads scandal
Oct 19, 2024
Dylan Reeve, a freelance writer and editor renowned for reporting scam ads to Meta, dives into the murky waters of misleading advertisements exploiting credible media names. He discusses New Zealanders’ growing tendency to dodge the news amid rising distrust and the challenges faced by local councils in turbulent times. The podcast unpacks the urgent need for better media literacy and the role of tech giants in ensuring accountability, while touching on personal stories from those impacted by scam ads.
42:42
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of social media scam ads imitating reputable news sources highlights a significant threat to public trust in media.
- A growing trend of news avoidance in New Zealand reflects public concerns over negativity and perceived media bias, complicating engagement with current events.
Deep dives
Scam Ads Invading Social Media
A significant rise in fake advertisements targeting social media users has been noted, especially those mimicking reputable news sources to lend an air of legitimacy. Scammers are using names and images of well-known personalities to create headlines that deceive and attract vulnerable audiences. For instance, ads falsely claiming shocking news about public figures have proliferated, drawing users into clicking links that lead to dubious content. Despite widespread reporting of these scams to platforms like Facebook, responses have been minimal, leaving many to question the effectiveness of content moderation practices.
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