@bestmemes Coronavirus #StayAtHome Survey Controversy

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Overview

@bestmemes Coronavirus #StayAtHome Survey Controversy refers to public criticism toward the @bestmemes Instagram account who encouraged people to take a coronavirus-related survey using mock tweets that impersonate various celebrities.

Background

On March 29th, 2020, Twitter ^[1] user @AlexThomasDC shared a series of tweets reporting that @bestmemes, an Instagram meme account that has amassed more than 14 million followers, was using doctored tweets to encourage followers to take a survey. The tweets, which impersonate United States President Donald Trump and former U.S. President Barack Obama, stated, "Due to the CoronaVirus, if your state is currently under lockdown, you are eligible for $1000 via @PayPal by completing the #StayAtHome survey. Stay strong everyone." The image also featured a PayPal balance of $1,448.71 (shown below, left and right).

Developments

Following the tweets, users reported the account for violating Instagram rules. The next day, on March 30th, the page had been deleted. According to the Daily Dot, ^[2], the page had been removed due to "repeated community standards violations."

That day, New York Times internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz tweeted about the controversy (shown below). She wrote, "Instagram has suspended @bestmemes (14M og meme page) after the acct posted a fake Trump/Obama PayPal giveaway."

Media Outlet

Various outlets reported on the controversy, including Mashable, ^[3] Yahoo^[4] and more.

External References