Should I pass on that Facebook post? Maybe not
When Facebook was introduced, it was an easy-to-use format to meet new friends, connect with old friends and schoolmates. Families created their own loops. Facebook was a safe place to get together online. It was fun to catch up with old friends and get to know some new friends. Facebook was an easy way to reconnect that didn’t need paper, pen, and stamps.. It was faster than email, or seemed so. It was also simple to link up with several “friends” at once.
Before long, text and graphics were passed along. If it had a fun or a quote with which we agreed, we’d pass it on without much thought. Pictures of influential persons, historical figures, or celebrities became attached to some of the quotes.
But nothing stays the same. Some who wished their messages to be given more credibility began using the pictures and names of well-known entities. Word got out to be aware of such fakes. Many became more cautious about quickly passing on something going around Facebook. Others did not.
Over the years, the credibility of items posted has continued to decline. Those who wished to discredit someone they disliked sent text that was falsely attributed, made up, twisted or taken completely out of context.
Sometimes it is difficult to discern truth from falsehoods. This is especially true when the sender claims they are presenting a balanced view. Watch out for these as too many times these posts are anything but balanced, accurate or truthful.
That has been especially true of those seeking to destroy the character of Charlie Kirk.
How do we counter such falsehoods? I have thought on this because, like most everyone else, I’ve been caught passing on something I later realize I shouldn’t have. Sometimes my finger clicks before my mind fully engages. (BTW, you can delete a post sent before thoughtful consideration.)
Now I have words of caution. Before passing on any quote or information about someone or a situation, check it out. Take a moment to research sources. Find out if a quote is true, is it in context, is it accurate, and consider your motive before passing on?
It is too easy to divide friends and family, too easy to tear down rather than lift up. What kind of individuals do we wish to be? Even in persuasion, honey gathers more flies than a caustic substance. Let’s think before passing something on, do our own research and make sure we can be trusted by being truthful and accurate in our posts. Good rule, if you don’t want to take the time or can’t back something up—don’t send it on.
© 2025 Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in Kearney Hub October 6, 2025t
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