Andrew Selepak, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology lecturer and coordinator of the online master’s program with a specialization in social media, is quoted in “TikTok Posts Referencing Violence Raise Anxiety at Schools” posted on wjla.com, the Washington, D.C. ABC television affiliate, on Dec. 17.

The story focuses on unconfirmed threats of violence in TikTok videos that are raising anxiety levels at schools nationwide.

According to Selepak, shifting liability for what other people post would have far reaching consequences.

“It’s going to be very difficult for TikTok to moderate everything especially when it comes to a significant event like this,” he said. “If any changes are made it is going to completely change social media platforms all together.”

Selepak was also quoted in “Twitter’s New Privacy Boost is Just a Start” posted on lifewire.com on Dec. 2.

According to Selepak, “There’s still confusion about who Twitter’s new policy covers. The policy will not apply to posting identifying information about a person if they become a person of public interest. …The problem is that Twitter users do not know how this policy will be applied moving forward.”

He adds, “Twitter has stated that the policy is intended to protect women, especially those who have been assaulted or accused others of sexual assault and harassment. And while this could be seen as a good thing, it assumes the guilt of those charged as it may not protect the identity of the person accused.”

Posted: December 20, 2021
Category: Alumni News, College News
Tagged as: Andrew Selepak