What are the best ways to report on sensitive topics on social media?

1 Know your context

Before you post anything on social media, you need to understand the context of the story and the platform you are using. Different platforms have different norms, expectations, and features that affect how your audience will perceive and react to your content. For example, Twitter is more suited for breaking news and live updates, while Instagram is more visual and emotional. You also need to consider the cultural, political, and social sensitivities of your topic and your audience, and how they might affect your tone, language, and framing. Do your research, check your facts, and be aware of the potential risks and consequences of your posts.

2 Choose your sources carefully

When reporting on sensitive topics on social media, you need to be careful about the sources you use and the information you share. You should always verify the credibility and reliability of your sources, especially if they are anonymous, user-generated, or from third-party platforms. You should also respect the privacy and consent of your sources, especially if they are vulnerable, traumatized, or marginalized. Ask yourself if you have their permission to use their names, images, or quotes, and if sharing them will cause them any harm or distress. If in doubt, blur, pixelate, or anonymize any identifying details.

3 Use trigger warnings and content labels

Some sensitive topics on social media can be disturbing, upsetting, or triggering for some of your audience members. To avoid causing them unnecessary harm or discomfort, you should use trigger warnings and content labels to alert them about the nature of your content. Trigger warnings are brief statements that warn your audience about the potential emotional or psychological impact of your content, such as violence, abuse, or suicide. Content labels are descriptive tags that indicate the type of content you are sharing, such as graphic, explicit, or sensitive. You can use trigger warnings and content labels in your captions, headlines, or before your links or videos.

6 Take care of yourself

Reporting on sensitive topics on social media can take a toll on your mental and emotional health, especially if you are exposed to traumatic or stressful content or situations. You should take care of yourself and your well-being, and seek support if you need it. You can use tools such as filters, mute, block, or report to control what you see and hear on social media, and limit your exposure to harmful or toxic content. You can also take breaks, set boundaries, and practice self-care activities such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies. You can also reach out to your colleagues, friends, family, or professional help if you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?