Extinguish the Flaming Social Media Trashpile!

The “Fire Tetrahedron” of Social Media

Fire TriangleFire Tetrahedron

Fuel

steal

Heat Source

Oxygen

Reddit’s r/LinkedInLunaticsShlinkedIn

Chain Reaction

• Does the headline match the content or is it just “click bait” that will set a reader up for disappointment?
• If the thing you’re sharing is a news article, is it grounded in fact? Is it written by an ethical journalist or published by a reputable, reasonably-unbiased media outlet? Are sources cited, so that you can verify for yourself that the original information says what the article claims it says? Have you ever done that – checked the original sources to see if they say what it’s claimed they say?In 2008, a friend forwarded the email (shown on a blue background, dated Jan 6, 2008, though there were earlier versions of it as well) to me and asked me if it could be true. The original email contained a live link to snopes.com – where snopes is mentioned. Click the blue text – sure enough, there’s an article on snopes debunking the email itself. It was at this point I started paying closer attention to politics and political parties, and realized just how much seething hostility and lies lurked under the surface. None of this serves us, the people of this nation – or the world. None of it.
• If what you’re sharing is an opinion piece, is it clearly presented as such, and is the bias clearly understood by all? Do you agree with the content of the opinion piece you’re sharing, or do you just think it’s a funny, catchy headline that sums up a thought you had – until you thought more deeply on the subject? Read A Pillow Full of Feathers before sharing.

• A story about yourself, that’s true. Be sure to include details and avoid all temptation to exaggerate the heroic bits, unless someone else is the hero and you are thanking them.
• A story about someone you know personally, provided you were involved in the action or have their permission to tell the story where you intend to share it.
• Artwork posted by an artist-friend, which they shared online and which has sharing buttons you can use – to promote them and their art. (In other words, share – don’t download, then upload a copy of their art to your post!)
• Stories, poems, and blog posts written by your friends, which they shared online and which have sharing buttons you can use – to promote them and their writing. (In other words, share – don’t copy and paste their words into a new post of your own.)
• Links to books friends have had published, so that people can find out more and buy them.
• A funny meme found on a site full of funny memes, or a photo found on a free stock photo site – shared in accordance with their Terms of Service.
• A thought-provoking question and discussion of a topic that interests you.
• A poll you made.
• A compliment or expression of thanks to someone.
• A funny cat video (again, of your own cat – or use the proper sharing buttons!)