Ever been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram and seen a video claiming a huge crisis is happening right now, demanding immediate action? The post probably has a ton of shares and comments, making it feel super urgent. But here’s the thing: just because something goes viral doesn’t mean it’s the whole truth.
In his book Conquering Crisis, a military admiral named William H. McRaven talks about a key rule: “The first report is always wrong.” He learned this from real-life situations where the first news they got was often full of mistakes because people were panicked. This idea is a huge deal for us, especially with how fast information spreads online.
Think about it like this: a lot of what we see in our feeds is the “first report.” It’s an emotional, sometimes incomplete, snapshot of an event. News outlets and social media accounts are in a race to be the first to report on a “crisis,” whether it’s a social issue, a protest, or a political event. This pressure to be first can lead to misinformation or a totally one-sided story.
So, before you share, sign a petition, or jump into an argument, here’s what to remember from McRaven’s advice:
- Be a Skeptic. Don’t just believe the first thing you see. It’s okay to question a viral post or a headline that feels too shocking. Take a moment to pause and think: “Where did this information come from?” and “Is it being presented as the absolute truth?”
- Don’t Rush to Share. In the digital world, hitting “share” is like making a public statement. Wait until you have a better understanding of the situation. It’s smarter to say, “I’m looking into this,” than to share something you’ll later regret.
- Check Your Sources. Look for information from different places. Try to find a few different news sources—not just the ones that show up in your feed. The best information comes from sources that fact-check their stories and are known for being accurate. Look for information from both mainstream media outlets and smaller, independent journalists.
As first-time voters, it’s super important to be able to separate facts from hype. A lot of political and social issues are presented as urgent “crises” to get you to react with emotion, not logic. By being smart about what you consume and share, you become a more informed citizen and a better advocate for the causes you truly believe in. The time you spend getting the facts straight is never wasted.
References
McRaven, W. H. (2023). Conquering crisis: Leadership strategies for an uncertain world. Simon & Schuster.
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