COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dr. Kelly Garrett is a professor of communications at the Ohio State University. His expertise is focused on technology and how it’s used for politics and activism—like right now. He says the role of social media is complicated. 

“Makes it easier for activists to be able to amplify their message to generate media coverage, but at the same time these capabilities can be used for promoting social good, they can also be used to cause social harm,” said Dr. Garrett. 

What You Need To Know


  • Social media has played a critical role over the last week when it comes to energizing and organizing protestors across the nation

  • At the same time, social media is also how a lot of misinformation gets spread

  • The story of George Floyd went viral on social media and has inspired change across the world

In light of the nationwide protests over the death of Minnesota resident George Floyd, Dr, Garrett has focused on misinformation and how people decide what's true when they're online. 

Ohio Northern University Communications Professor and pop culture expert Dr. Jennifer Walton says people are witnessing a modern-day revolution— both in person and online — and it’s motivating more people who may have been silent before into action. 

But Dr. Walton cautions about misinformation and warns everyone from Baby Boomers to Generation Z to think critically and consider the source of their information.

“Don't assume that everything you're reading is 100 percent true. And some people are just more prone. You know some people just love conspiracy theories and you know that's what they're always going to go towards. But if you want accurate, real information, check a few different places, make sure that the sources are credible,” said Dr. Walton. 

And as Mount Union Professor Dr. Joel Evans tells his digital marketing class, social media was created for people to come together, share ideas, and live life experiences together. 

He says there's a chance we may never have known about George Floyd unless a 17-year-old girl's post went viral. 

Dr. Evans says Facebook and now Twitter are leading the charge against fact vs. fiction. 

“I'm happy to see that we have technology at our fingertip that allows for stories to be shared and voices to be heard, because news media isn't everywhere. But I'm happy to see that they're making strides towards ensuring correct information is being put out there,” said Dr. Evans.