Think Before You Post: Influencers and the Dangers of Misinformation

As creators, influencers, and content-makers, our audiences want to hear from someone they trust on how to handle this chaotic moment. But with that role comes a great deal of responsibility. Before you post or re-post, ask yourself what your sources are. If you aren’t sure, or if the answer is “my conspiracy-theory-enthusiast cousin’s Instagram,” consider the harm that could be done if you promote it to your audience. 

Check out our tips on how to responsibly share information during moments of crisis responsibly. 

Do Your Research

There are so many false rumors about COVID-19 symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures. If you’re considering sharing medical advice you’ve seen online with your followers and community, a good rule of thumb is to visit the Center for Disease Control’s website (CDC), or the World Health Organization’s website (WHO). If the information you’re considering sharing does not reflect the facts on either of those sites, chances are it is false — or at the very least not proven just yet. Harvard Medical’s Coronavirus Resource Center is another great resource — and lists some of the false remedies and preventative measures circling the web that you can flag and be wary of. #FlattenTheCurve

If you’re really itching to share some medical information, including a disclaimer emphasizing that you are not a doctor is always a good idea — and one your followers will appreciate! Gone are the days of reposting something just because it’s cute. Consider where you’re getting your information from, who the sources are, and what you can do to verify the truth of something before you share it with your community.

Obviously, your page, your blog and your social platforms are ultimately up to your own discretion, but in times like this, where much of the world is already panicking and wary of where things are heading — asking yourself the following three questions before you post:

1. Is it true? 

2. Is it necessary? 

3. Will it contribute to the greater good? 

Show OFF Your #SOCIALDISTANCING SKILLS

Consider posting something that might be a bright spot in your audience’s feed — whether it’s a adorable snapshot of your kids’ #quarantinecrafts, a poem that means a lot to you, or advice on how to get through feeling lonely while self-quarantining. We encourage you be a good neighbor to your global community — reach out, be vulnerable, and try to help make the light at the end of the tunnel shine a little brighter!

Case in point — check out this BuzzFeed article, featuring the TikTok creations of some very skilled, socially-distant teens — proving you CAN quarantine creativity.

A recent article in the Atlantic by Kaitlyn Tiffany pretty much sums it up:

“Social-media platforms are notorious for their prodigious ability to spread bad information during a crisis, but that doesn’t change the fact that people log on to them to satisfy sharp cravings for intimacy.” 

In other words — yes, there’s potential for bad info to spread through a misuse of our social platforms and by posting without considering our sources or the potential ramifications. But there’s a positive side to utilizing digital media during this time. It can be a means of rallying our global community, of assuring one another we are not alone, even if we’re at least six feet apart. It can mean helping one another through a dark, tumultuous moment by showing up and doing our best for the people around us. 

NEED A LITTLE INSPIRATION?

Check out how members of our SHE Media Partner Network are covering COVID-19

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You get to meet the mom behind the sign! Today’s Tinybeans Takeover features our in-house content creator and copywriter, @jaderski! ⁣ ⁣ She’s going to take you through her average day and share all things in comedy, working at Tinybeans and being a mom of two! Head to our story for more! #momwithasign

A post shared by Tinybeans (@tinybeanskids) on Mar 12, 2020 at 5:32am PDT

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When life seems like its turning upside down, try some inversions!😁🤔. . I watched @cathymadeoyoga do a beautiful inversion(swipe to the last photo) and she made it look sooo easy. So it must then be….EASY, right? . . This was less than easy, so my husband wanted to see if he could do it(second picture) and this is as far as he got.😄. . So I called him in for support, but we just ended up laughing at all the grunting, heavy breathing and helping position me, that my shoulders were killing me. Plus, I couldnt hold myself up with 1 arm. I have no earthly idea how she made this look effortless!!! . . But hopefully this gives you a laugh during this quite stressful time in our country rn.❤

A post shared by 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓|𝑨 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆 (@awellpacedlife) on Mar 14, 2020 at 11:21am PDT

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This is likely going to be the last thing I post regarding Covid-19. . I'm a strong advocate for mental health and I feel like we need to keep certain spaces free of current events so that people have a place to have fun. This is why I don't talk about politics and stuff on here. . I'm hoping to only post positive, uplifting, or funny shit on here until this is resolved to be a safe place for people who are anxious and kind of exhausted with this topic. We all need a MF'n break! . That being said, here is a blog post of resources for families and before you comment you wont be doing shit with yours, this is the furthest thing from a judgey "homeschool your kids during quarantine" post. There's a link from @alisontedford about making money from home there too, and also an urge to follow @suburbansalt @growforagecookferment @bigcitygardener and @epicgardening because we can see just how bad the modern world has shit the bed when we all are kind of lost when grocery supply chains get fucked. . Anyways this is a very long-winded way of saying please check out the link in my bio and then feel free to follow me for non-viral (lol) content 😂😂✌ . . . #healthylivingforhotmesses #shittylifecoach #bloggersofinstagram #funnymomsofig #coronavirus #covid_19 #sustainability #localfood #humor #growyourown

A post shared by 𝙼𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚒 𝙴𝚖 🌿 Ѡєℓℓиєss Ѡɨтςɦ (@mandi.em) on Mar 16, 2020 at 11:15am PDT

Shout out SHE Media Partner Network’s Tinybeans, A Well Paced Life, and Healthy Living For Hot Messes for creating (as usual) awesome content that’s honest, refreshing, and sure to cure anyone’s quarantine blues. Give ‘em a follow, if you don’t already!

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We are here for you at #BlogHer. Keep shining your light, creating great content, and carving a path for yourself and the women coming up behind you.

Let us know how you’re staying cool, calm, and connected in the comments below, or in our Facebook group, on Twitter, or Instagram — whatever you like. Oh, and why not subscribe to our newsletter while you’re at it?