Before you share on social, read this ...

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I think this piece from Kim Kamando says a lot about media in general and even including much stuff posted right here on Club Adventist. The anti-Trump blitz while ignoring the corruption of the Biden family really comes to mind. There are political agendas out there and who anymore really knows what the truth is?

 

Before you share on social, read this

The images, stories and videos of Israel and Gaza are horrifying, aren't they? You know what that fuels — a slew of misleading info making the rounds on social media.

Have you seen that viral video showing an Israeli airstrike? It was being shared left and right, and it claimed to show Israel's retaliation against a sudden attack by Hamas last Saturday. But here's the catch: That footage is from May, as confirmed by Reuters.

Here's another one. A clip making waves on platforms like X and TikTok showcases a pair of jets being towed on the ground. The backstory? Some said Israeli Defense Forces were packing up and leaving bases near Gaza. Others claimed it was Hamas showing off captured Israeli jets. Plot twist — that video first popped up on YouTube in September.

What's even more eyebrow-raising? Many "verified" users (yep, those with the blue checkmarks) shared these misleading videos on X. Remember, those accounts are pocketing change every time you click.

Social media is telling

Both sides have been firing up their social media game for some online warfare. Israel's official accounts, for instance, have been pretty vocal about their stance, even comparing Hamas to the likes of ISIS in a gripping video post.

Heads-up for everyone: Several platforms, including X, have given the boot to accounts linked with Hamas. Their new digital hangout? Telegram. They've been raking in followers there and dishing out promotional content with real-time updates.

It's not just misinformation to be wary of

Anytime something major is in the news, out come the scammers. Cyber tricksters have a whole bag of deceitful schemes. Among the most sinister? Fake charities, fraudulent pleas for help and deceptive GoFundMe campaigns. Sadly, some folks exploit tragic events, like the Israel-Hamas conflict, to tug at our heartstrings — and wallets.

Before you tap that “Donate” button, do your research. Verify the organization or individual's credibility. Check out platforms like Charity Navigator or BBB Wise Giving Alliance to ensure your goodwill goes to the right place.

Tips to keep you real

Trust but verify: Stick to reliable news outlets.
Timestamps tell tales: Old videos can be passed off as new. Check those dates!
Don't share blindly: Found it shocking? Validate before you help it go viral.
Stay calm and question: Dramatic headlines might be clickbait. Dive deeper.
Help others stay informed: Spot a fib? Report it and let the platform know.
Be super careful what you read, click and share online. I just saw a link to a video showing an Israeli soldier's beheading by Hamas. Yes, it's real, but I would rather pray for the soldier and his loved ones than watch. There are things you simply cannot unsee.