Many of us students have missed free pizza opportunities or run into vexing protests outside — all events that could have been avoided with further notice.
Wildfire is this fall semester’s new addiction. The app is made for students to be able to spread campus event information like … wildfire.
While the idea of a student-specialized app for campus happenings seems smart, there are still plenty of downsides.
So, what actually is Wildfire?
The Wildfire app was first designed to keep people informed of important events nearby and spread word quickly when something happens, according to their website.
The app is supposed to warn students and keep them informed of nearby happenings.
I downloaded the app in late September, thinking it was nothing but a new addition to the University of Idaho. At first it seemed like another system for Vandal alerts with a quirky campus crush section and helpful areas like tips.
Concerning safety posts would be sent out immediately to Wildfire members and I was startled by how quickly information spread.
I posted on Wildfire after I was hit by a car while biking, and the app immediately notified all members about my experience.
Of course, information about an accident in Moscow was important, especially to student commuters. Yet this made me wonder about the possibilities of what could be spread to the student population — what were the limits, if there even were any?
As a student journalist, this alarmed me. Wildfire, though helpful in some situations, poses a threat to journalism and campus news, specifically because unvalidated information could spread so quickly.
Posts on the app seem limitless. If it seems like a safety concern, it is sent to members immediately. Information has no way of being validated before it alerts community members. This could potentially be a huge problem.
Unlike other news sources, Wildfire’s way of spreading information seems problematic.
Student journalism and other news outlets around the area are authentic and validate information before it is published. This, in consideration to its readers, gives authenticity to the read.
Any breaking news from news sources will be accurate in most cases and will hopefully be legitimate.
At the end of the day, this is a rumor app.
Especially in this day and age, we must be careful about what we choose to read and decide if it is not “fake news.”
Spreading information quickly to students is important, but so is authenticity.
Real problems could stem from the way we choose to get our news, so it is important to remember what is authentic and what is not.
Especially with this app, Wildfire does caution if you are in danger, do not turn to the app for emergency situations. The website’s warning states Wildfire is not a replacement for 911. Remember to keep safe and dial 911 before posting about an emergency situation on the app.
Emily Pearce can be reached a [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce
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