Read the scenario.Ana and Mei have an argument. Ana begins spreading rumors about Mei on social media. The rumors are not true, but Mei’s reputation is damaged anyway.

False statements that harm someone’s reputation may be considered defamation, so they are not protected speech. Ana spread untrue rumors that damaged Mei’s reputation, which fits that principle. The fact that the rumors were posted on social media does not make them protected, so C, “Ana’s speech is not protected because it is false and is damaging to Mei’s reputation,” is correct.

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