Target: Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta
Goal: Do not allow violent real-life images of crimes to remain circulating online.
Although major social media platforms did not exist on a large scale during the September 11 terrorist attacks, gruesome and exploitative images from this tragedy can still be found online. Even major media outlets faced some backlash for published photographs of victims falling from the towers, such as the infamous “Falling Man” photo. The legacy of this horrific time led to new standards for the widespread dissemination of graphic content, but another violent incident has pushed this issue into the harsh spotlight once again.
When a shooter took aim at prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a speaking engagement, much of the country immediately knew of this shocking crime not from news outlets but from disturbing video and photo images of the shooting posted online shortly thereafter. The posts reportedly showed the victim being struck by a bullet and the graphic aftermath from various angles — and even in slow motion. What would have once been blurred out of respect for the victim and his loved ones and out of caution should children view this content was put on full, gratuitous display for the world to see. Even a day after the content was first posted, much of it remains online and accessible.
Sign the petition below to join the chorus of voices saying ‘no more’ to the willing exploitation of death and violence by social media conglomerates that care more about clicks than compassion.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Zuckerberg,
“At some point, social media begins to desensitize humanity. We must still value life. Please take them down.” A Florida representative spoke for many in the wake of a horrific shooting that has been viewed millions of times on your platforms. While TikTok has vowed additional safeguards and YouTube has already taken proactive steps to remove this content, Meta apparently thinks warning labels are a sufficient reaction to the exploitation of a man’s violent death. No one should have their final moments used as cheap clickbait to satisfy a grotesque curiosity.
You should be better than this. As political violence, terrorism, and other acts once considered outside the norm rise, you must know that social media will play a pivotal role as either a glorifier, enabler, and even encourager of people looking for notoriety, or it can be a force for unity, empathy, and a reminder of shared humanity. On the anniversary of a date that was supposed to make the media landscape take a hard look at salacious sensationalism, honor this victim, all past and future victims, and honor your consumers by removing inhumane content that thrives on real-world hatred and bloodshed. For once, use your algorithms for healing instead of harmful division.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Nathan J. Hilton
