When the world is shaken up by devastating crises like the Boston bombings, or the Sandy Hook shootings, many of us flock to any news source that will give us the most up-to-date information.

Social Media certainly has helped with the dissemination of information; we get news much quicker. It’s also helped with providing “on the scene” updates from citizen journalists who are capturing events that traditional media cannot.

As the police were hunting down a suspect, many people were live tweeting and capturing images. BostonBombingTweet

(There are many more tweets in Mashables “As It Happened: Tweets from Police Manhunt in Waterdown”.

Yet, I see that some people are so invested in capturing the moment, that they lose their common sense.

In moments like these, we should be more concerned for our safety and for the safety of others around us, than in capturing it all on film.

I’ve seen videos of mock scenarios where someone is pretending to kill another, and instead of helping the “victim” the person chose to get it all on their smartphone.

Thankfully, there are more people who rally and help each other in a time of need.

When used effectively Social Media can be an amazing resource for us all. We are able to crowdsource to help track down the right suspects, as in cases of Amber Alerts and for the Vancouver Riots, and we are able to rally and support each other as a global community when we otherwise would not be able to reach out.

But we count on traditional journalist to get the facts straight.

Unfortunately for traditional media outlets, the desire to be the first to “scoop” the story, there are so many inaccuracies and false announcements.

BostonInnacurateTweetsCNN

Before we all jump to conclusions – even when the news has “confirmed” information, we must err on the side of caution.

We have to ensure we hear all the facts, and from multiple reliable sources before we circulate false information.

 

Question: When do YOU feel you can trust information? What sites do you believe deliver the most accurate stories?

 

Posted in Crisis Management Tips and tagged , ,

About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management. Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity. Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts. Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results. Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy. Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.