Andrew Selepak Comments on Social Media Fascination with Gabby Petito Investigation

Andrew Selepak, University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Media Production, Management, and Technology lecturer and coordinator of the online master’s program with a specialization in social media, is quoted in “’Digital Detectives’ Now Investigating as the Petito Case Sweeps the Internet” published on baynews9.com on Sept. 22.

The story focuses on how the Gabby Petito case has become popular on all social media platforms and users are spouting theories based on the perceived evidence they find in pictures and video.

According to Selepak, online content has allowed people to feel involved in the investigation, but that it may also be complicating law enforcement efforts to investigate.

“What they are getting is a lot of tips,” Selepak said. “A lot of information that isn’t very helpful or useful and could potentially make solving any kind of crime or missing person’s case more difficult.”

Posted: September 23, 2021
Category: Alumni News, College News
Tagged as: Andrew Selepak