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Fudged Up: The Hyperbolic Tendencies of Social Media

Author: Peter Lillis

Damian Abraham - 07.29.09 - Toronto, ON

Damian Abraham of Fudged Up

We all know that the rise of social media has offered opportunities for the immediate sharing of information. But what happens when the information shared is false?

Last week, vocalist for Toronto punk band Fudged Up (not their actual name) Damian Abraham admitted to Spinner that his days as a regularly touring member of the band could be nearing an end, or at least a rest. Due to the rigors of the road and his desire to raise his toddler son, Abraham (a.k.a. Pink Eyes) concedes that he is tired, and has considered allowing the band to go on without him.

Despite his sane, rational and non-final words, the online music community exploded in an expected fashion, calling this the end of Fudged Up as we know it. Pitchfork appropriately stated that “The Future of [Fudged] Up Is Uncertain,” but other respectable publications like NME and Punk News went decidedly further, announcing a hiatus or a straight up Fudged Up break up.

In response, Abraham tweeted this.

This hyperbolic fiasco presents an inherent issue with social media that has yet to be resolved. So far, we have certainly been able to enthuse and mobilize the masses over a wide variety of topics, but a lack of credibility and an abundance of groupthink cause the sharing of false information. Similar to the fake celebrity death rumors that spread like wildfire through Twitter, this misrepresentation of Abraham’s sentiment is irritating, disrespectful and irresponsible. While social media has made the sharing information an easier and more effective process, the spread of false information cheapens the experience for everyone.

It goes without saying that Abraham would be a tremendous loss to one of today’s most exciting bands. Riding high on this year’s stellar punk rock opera David Comes To Life, Fudged Up is a perfect example of a band finding widespread success despite their unabashed, uncompromising and sometimes offensive ethos. While I would hate for this band to cease to be, I can take comfort in his words that this is not the case.

Photo credit: Jess Edward Baumbag

Peter Lillis is Social Media Manager at Otherwise Incorporated.

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