By Mina Tocalini
Wayfair Conspiracy irrupts over Twitter and Reddit with #wayfair, accusing the company of being involved in a child trafficking scheme. The trend sparked after Reddit user, PrincessPeach1987, posted a speculation on the conspiracy subreddit last Friday. The post expressed concern over the high prices of cabinets found on Wayfair, and contemplated whether it was a front for the sale of missing children.
Conspiracy Claims:
- Cabinet prices are unusually high (above $10,000)
- Cabinet names correlate with the names of missing children
- SKU Numbers searched on a Russian search engine return images of children
- Wayfair has supplied furniture to ICE detention centers ( where children have gone missing)
Counter Claims:
- Wayfair stated the high prices were accurate for commercial grade products, but the descriptions and images provided by the supplier did not adequately explain the price.
- Wayfair explained to Reuters that the company’s algorithm uses first names, geographic locations and common words for naming purposes.
- Newsweek reported that SKUs did not return images of a single child and the same results were presented using a random set of numbers.
- The Wayfair employee walkout protested contracts with ICE, but no complaints were made regarding posting missing children for sale
Social media’s effective dissemination of information is a clear strength, but we must also acknowledge the fact that it has the power to sensationalize rumors without consequence. The 2016 ‘Pizzagate’ conspiracy accused a Washington D.C pizzeria of being linked to a child trafficking ring run by the Democratic Party. Specifically, it targeted Hillary Clinton, the Presidential candidate for the 2016 election and was yet another attempt to discredit her. ‘Pizzagate’ was widely debunked, but continues to be believed by social media users till this day. The Wayfair Conspiracy expresses similar concerns and is based on the inferences and connections derived from little and inaccurate evidence. Furthermore, its claims can be
considered to be a distraction from more concrete searches for missing children. Like any conspiracy, its influence lies more in faith. Regardless, we each have the right to our opinions. Considering the effect this may have on the welfare of the company and its employees, will you debunk the claims made? Or defend the possibility of children being trafficked?
