Defamation, generally, is a false statement presented as fact that harms someone’s reputation. When such a statement is published on a social media platform like Facebook, legal action may be possible. An example would be falsely accusing a business owner of criminal activity on their company’s Facebook page, causing them financial losses due to reputational damage.
The potential for widespread dissemination of information on social media amplifies the harm defamatory statements can cause. Historically, proving defamation involved demonstrating the statement was communicated to a limited audience. Platforms like Facebook, however, can instantly reach thousands or millions of users, potentially leading to significant reputational and financial harm. Consequently, individuals and businesses increasingly consider legal recourse when their reputations are damaged online.