News of the alleged closing down of Pizza Sam\u2019s, a popular family restaurant in downtown Midland, originated from Yik Yak, a social network where users can anonymously make short posts that are then available for local users in the area to read, vote on, and reply to.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone had posted that Pizza Sam\u2019s was closing down and many people followed after with similar posts saying that yes, Pizza Sam\u2019s was closing,\u201d sophomore Munif Hakim said. \u201cSome people said they were employees to back up this statement, and others said they knew the owner in some way and heard it from him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many of the Yik Yak users in Midland continued to perpetuate the rumor as a joke, spreading misinformation and confusing other users. The \u201cnews\u201d then travelled to other media, such as Facebook and Twitter and was met with concerns, as the restaurant is a favorite of many in the city.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s there not to like about Pizza Sam\u2019s?\u201d Hakim said. \u201cThey\u2019ve got pretty darn good pizza and they have this friendly feeling and aura around the shop with amazing employees. It really would have been a shame if they had closed down, and it definitely would have upset many people in town.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finally, the Pizza Sam\u2019s Twitter account sent out a message to dispel the myth.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe rumors going around about us going out of business are false,\u201d read the tweet. \u201cWe\u2019re here to stay! #DontHatePizzaHateTheGame.\u201d<\/p>\n