It may be asked whether or to what extent the new media have transformed everyone into
public figures (Clayman, 2004). “Public figure” is a legal term applied in the context of
defamation actions as well as in cases of invasion of privacy. A public figure cannot base
a lawsuit on incorrect harmful statements unless there is proof that the writer or publisher
acted with actual malice. The burden of proof in defamation actions is higher in the case of
public figures. Public figures, especially those in higher positions, act as role models, which
is to say that they have a profound influence on the behavior, lifestyles and culture of the
general population. Not everybody who uses the social media has the intention to become
a public figure, but when they become more politically active they may be treated as public
figures