The topic of enlightening family and friends about sharing misinformation on social media is a delicate line to walk. Thankfully, I have not had to confront this battle with my family or friends on social media. However, I have been asked how I handle clients who share misinformation with me during conversations at work and how I help them realize the importance of sharing accurate information. I have always led with compassion and empathy, and affirm people’s feelings. I fully understand the “feelings aren’t facts” concept and try to identify what motivates a person’s connection to a piece of misinformation. Being currently in college majoring in digital media, I get to share what I am learning with my clients. I share how I learned to identify news versus opinion. I share how I learned to read information critically and check the credibility of the source. I share why I believe it is essential to do that and how it makes me feel, especially when I discover misinformation. The conversation from there takes on a non-threatening tone, and we can have a well-rounded dialogue without the worry of offending each other. This approach has worked for me because I can set a tone that offers a safe sharing environment. I believe this has worked to steer my clients in the direction of sharing correct information from credible sources and its importance. This approach to addressing misinformation came from learning The Gestalt (Language) Protocol.
The Gestalt (Language) Protocol was taught during a leadership building seminar I attended many years ago. The premise of the protocol is to create a safe space that allows for open communication when difficult discussions need to occur. The protocol offers five steps:
- Speak from personal experiences as opposed to offering advice or opinions. It is instinctive to tell people what to do rather than share an experience comparable to the issue. Using past experiences produces bonding between participants and aids in establishing the atmosphere to embark on an open dialogue.
- Use “I” statements as opposed to “You” statements: “You” statements can put a person on the defensive and set a very different tone than “I” statements, according to Dr. Johnson, Ph.D. An example is “you shouldn’t feel that way,” which sounds very different than “I understand those feelings when that happens.” Beginning conversations with “I” statements puts participants at ease to continue the open dialogue.
- Speak in the past tense: When sharing personal instances, using statements beginning with “how” a situation was handled. Proposing a solution based on past experiences goes a long way with putting the other person at ease. Saying, “I was in a similar situation once and how I handled it…” This approach allows for the receiver to relate to the situation and solution.
- Avoid using “Should”, “Would”, or “Could”: Telling people how they “should” handle or “could” of handled a situation can create a tense environment. Not too many people like being told they are/were wrong. Instead, try “this is what worked for me in that situation” to prevent putting someone on the defensive.
- Speak in specifics and avoid generalities: When sharing a past personal experience, keep the content to what precisely occurred in the same/similar situation. Sharing adverse events as well as positive ones helps establish even more credibility by showing no is perfect.
I believe this method could also work in approaching misinformation conversations on social media with family and friends. I think this approach could help them realize the importance of vetting information before sharing it. I discovered through an internet search that this approach is similar to advice provided by media professionals. First Draft News offers tips when talking to family and friends regarding sharing misinformation over social media platforms. They encourage us not to shame our family and friends, to show them empathy, to act with responsibility when dispelling misinformation, and to try not to expect immediate change. These tips are a great reminder that no matter one’s approach to this potentially uncomfortable conversation, leading with compassion and empathy can be a conduit to opening the mind of another.
