What’s the Point of Reporting a Death the Star Debunks?

 

It is with deep regret that I must inform you that so-and-so celebrity has passed away. Let’s look back at their life in pictures. 

Except…wait a minute…did that celebrity just send out a tweet about enjoying ice cream at the beach? Has social media turned into a tool for ghosts to communicate through?

Nope. It’s yet another example of reckless journalism, driven by the pressure to be first instead of being an authentic news source.

It’s all about TRPs and getting enough views and likes for posts about celebrities who have just passed away. But of course, they haven’t, as evidenced by their recent posts or statements from their families and friends. 

Death hoaxes have not been invented recently. In fact, it goes back to decades when famous writer Mark Twain was reported to be dead, only for him to come out and state it himself that he was very much alive. 

Many famous celebrities have been 'killed' on the news, deceiving viewers who rely on these channels for reliable information into offering prayers for their peace."

Social media has only made it faster for these baseless news reports to become viral and believed by the masses. The truth, or statement from the team that handles the celebrity’s PR, is often sandwiched between obituaries and more fake news. 

The fans are all coming together, tributes are pouring from every corner, and singers are dedicating heartfelt songs to them. 

Social media is abuzz with pandemonium. People are even asking AI if the news is true, but the lack of confirmation isn't stopping anyone from sending condolences.

In all this commotion, the celebrity, or their family member, raises their hand up and confirms that they are very much alive. 

But the masses are still not convinced. The message by the family was sent 5 minutes ago. In five minutes, the celebrity must have passed away, right? How can the news channel be wrong?

Journalists and field reporters are professionals. They know that news gathering is one part of the job, and the most integral part is fact-checking. There’s no way they could be wrong. 

Except…they did jump the gun this time because they want to win a competition of who gets to report baseless rumors first. 

So…what is the point of reporting a death, the star debunks with one post by the beach or at home? The point is so that we can understand the perils of believing everything we come across online. Not making the effort to find the truth ourselves, and not being patient enough to wait for confirmation. 

Celebrities are humans and they will pass on someday. 

But it certainly won't be announced by a news channel that forgot to check if the star was still breathing.

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