Whether you love or hate Twitter, there’s no denying that it’s influential. In fact, based on today, it may be a little too influential.
The Associated Press sent out a tweet this afternoon saying that there was an explosion in the White House and that President Obama was injured. Stocks sold off en masse as a result — with the Dow Jones Industrial Average shedding over 100 points in seconds — then recovered once it was exploited as a hack.
This is the kind of things that makes me shake my head at social media. Luckily, the aftermath is also the kind of thing that makes me love social media: Namely, the start of the “APTweet” hashtag — arguably one of the best Twitter moments for the markets since Google‘s (NASDAQ:) early-release earnings prompted the “Pending Larry Quote” account.
Twitter users are making up other bits of fake news and broadcasting the headlines using the hashtag. Take a look at some of the best:
BREAKING: Federal government forgives all student loan debt.
— Kait Smith (@kaitsmith)
BREAKING: Chinese leadership says we can have our jobs back now.
— Scott Paul (@ScottPaulAAM)
Putin Tears Off Face To Reveal Snake Head
— Drew Magary (@drewmagary)
Republicans & Democrats decide to do away with counter productive two party system. Also doing away with hate and fear speech.
— Derek Montilla (@Cap_Kaveman)
CNN awarded “Excellence in Journalism” award.
— Brad Ennis (@bradennis)
Major error does not become hashtag meme…
— Kurtis Seaboldt (@KSeaboldt)
After decades of denial, Eric Clapton finally admits guilt in shooting of sheriff’s deputy
— Charles Repine (@DistrictDawg)
Breaking! @ reports @ account hacked.
— David Durgy (@HeyHoov)
World is flat, Columbus charged with fraud.
— J P (@RileyRebel129)
Cleveland Browns win Super Bowl
— Steelers Depot (@Steelersdepot)
As of this writing, Alyssa Oursler did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
