To Share or Not to Share

Have you ever just shared something on social media based on the title? Or perhaps based on the picture? Have you done it without reading the actual article attached? 

I'm sure at one point we've all done it. Or we've at least shared something we've barely skimmed over. This is extremely dangerous because as we promote and share stories and articles and other links onto our social media, others will assume that we are advocating for whatever that story might be saying. And, what it might be saying may not be the truth. 

With the ever-changing capabilities of technology, it has become easier and easier to publish things online. Literally anything can be posted on the internet. All you need is access to the internet and something to type with in order to publish for thousands and even millions of people to view. 

With this in mind, it should be noted that one can make up whatever they want for the world to see. If I wanted to, I could theoretically write a story about how there was an earthquake in Huntington earlier today. I could make up a bunch of data on it as well. I could make it sound like it really happen but did it?

No, of course not. But how many people would share it, thinking that because it showed up on their feed that it was true? Then it would spread like a wildfire, spreading falseness all over the internet. People everywhere would believe that there was truly an earthquake in Huntington. 

While this may not be the most harmful thing that could happen, think about how this could affect more serious issues. This kind of false information could ruin a person's reputation. It could damage a person's career. It could create chaos and panic. 

This is why we must be so cautious about what we are posting. We must protect the sacred truth.