In the hours following a national incident, such as the terror attacks that struck Manchester and London in recent weeks, our first reaction as a generation of technophiles is to turn to social media to get first response reports on what is happening.
And while some reports on social media provide reliable, immediate updates, such as those from eye-witnesses and the authorities, there are also those that unintentionally inflate, misjudge or construe information that isn’t verified by the emergency services and news outlets.
Of course, amid the panic, confusion and concern it’s understandable how a chain of Chinese whispers and misinformation can spread across the internet, but it is important to behave responsibly and sensibly, as both users and readers of social media, in order to help victims of the atrocities and the emergency services.
As a result, we’re rounded up a guide on how to best behave on social media in the aftermath of tragedy.
Get your news from official sources
First of all, the general rule of thumb is to not believe everything you read online.
Moments after the terrorist attack at London Bridge on Saturday, several people began spreading fake news, with false pictures of the alleged suspects, missing people, and reactions.
However, social media users should receive informational from official sources such as the emergency services (Metropolitan Police) and government statements (the Prime Minister and Home Secretary).
Please follow @metpoliceuk for updates into the ongoing incident at #LondonBridge https://t.co/g9GuVMQVgt
— NationalCrimeAgency (@NCA_UK) June 3, 2017
We know it’s tempting to believe immediate posts you see online but don’t tweet/retweet information unless it is confirmed by a reliable source.
Provide the authorities with vital information, before social media
The hours after a terrorist attack are the most vital for the emergency services.
As a result, if you witness or see footage from an incident that might be of value to the authorities, contact them first before sharing anything online.
If you see anything suspicious, no matter how insignificant you might think it is, contact us. It may be vital #ActionCountersTerrorism pic.twitter.com/FWP3QOuSwB
— Terrorism Police UK (@TerrorismPolice) June 4, 2017
Please don’t share graphic images
In times like this, many families and friends anxiously await news regarding the safety and location of their close ones.
Therefore, it is imperative you do not post photos of victims online that may be identified by relatives, before they are contacted by the authorities.
Anybody who has images or film of the #LondonBridge #BoroughMarket incident please help police by uploading it at https://t.co/YKydWRtFm3 pic.twitter.com/l0VlrPbwCI
— Terrorism Police UK (@TerrorismPolice) June 4, 2017
Instead, share official police information that might help those in need.
Follow the authorities’ advice
In the case of a terrorist incident, the police have provided the following information regarding your safety:
#Londonbridge #boroughmarket #vauxhall pic.twitter.com/a7OciBEBjH
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 3, 2017
There are also hotlines and advice on how to behave online when trying to get in touch with loved ones.
In times of uncertainty, let’s make sure we do not fuel fear by sharing misinformation to the public.
From: Elle UK
