A scene illustrating the impact of online harassment on college campuses.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesMary Kate Cornett, a freshman at the University of Mississippi, has become the target of severe harassment following a viral, false rumor on social media. The rumor, which falsely claimed inappropriate conduct, led to thousands of degrading messages and threats. Cornett’s safety concerns forced her to switch to online classes and withdraw from campus activities. The situation escalated to alarming levels, including a swatting incident at her family home. Cornett has engaged legal representation to address the defamation and highlight the serious impact of misinformation on mental health.
In Oxford, Mississippi, University of Mississippi freshman Mary Kate Cornett has found herself at the center of an overwhelming storm after a false rumor about her started to circulate widely on social media. At just 19 years of age, Cornett’s life took a severe turn as the anxiety and harassment began to mount, leaving her feeling alone and helpless.
The drama began when a rumor surfaced on the anonymous app YikYak, which is often frequented by college students looking to share thoughts or gossip without revealing their identity. The rumor falsely alleged that Cornett had slept with her boyfriend’s father, and soon after hitting the online world, it went viral. Social media exploded, turning her name and photo into trending topics on various platforms, including X, where Cornett quickly became the top trending name in the United States.
As the rumor spread, the fallout for Cornett was swift and intensely damaging. Thousands of degrading texts and voicemails poured in, including incredibly disturbing threats that made terrible suggestions about her well-being. The situation rapidly escalated to a point where Cornett felt she had no choice but to switch to online classes and withdraw from campus activities entirely. She feared for her safety, worried about potential confrontations stemming from the false allegations.
In one alarming incident, Cornett’s family faced a terrifying situation known as “swatting,” where someone maliciously called in a false report, leading police to show up at her mother’s home in Houston with guns drawn. Any sense of safety Cornett might have had was shattered, and the emotional toll was substantial.
The spread of the rumor took a further turn when it was discussed on a popular show featuring a well-known on-air personality. This host, with a massive following, brought heightened visibility to the rumor during a segment focused on NFL draft prospects, creating even more traction for the already damaging claims. While he did not say Cornett’s name, he certainly made reference to the scandal, thereby drawing even more attention to it.
Feeling the weight of her situation and its devastating consequences, Cornett has enlisted attorney Monica Uddin. With plans to pursue legal action against the public figure and potentially others involved in the spread of the rumor for defamation, Uddin has stressed the importance of holding individuals accountable for spreading false information, stating that one cannot lie about individuals without facing consequences.
Cornett’s family has voiced their anguish over seeing their daughter undergo such a harrowing experience. They expressed a profound sense of helplessness, likening it to watching their child be diminished by forces beyond their control. The mental strain of the entire ordeal is weighing heavily on Cornett, and she has raised valid concerns about how this situation might affect her future — from employment prospects to her overall reputation.
This troubling incident shines a light on the critical issues surrounding misinformation and online harassment, especially within social media platforms. The age of technology has granted individuals a larger platform to spread rumors and falsehoods, but it can also lead to devastating consequences for those targeted. Mary Kate Cornett’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the potential harm caused by unchecked narratives and the responsibilities that come with sharing information online.
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