TATA FRIKY · 4 MIN

Why do we forward messages without checking?

The message said “urgent” and I nearly shared it with thirty people. Nearly.

mediahabitsinformation

October 21, 2026

Tata Friky looking at messages on her phone

Tata Frikythinking out loud…

Friday
Tata Friky“URGENT. Share with everyone you love.”09:06
you know the message. capital letters. blurry picture. no date.
my thumb was already on forward.
then I remembered the last “urgent” thing I shared was from three years ago 💀
Kossiwhat if this one is actually important?
Tata Frikywhat if this one is actually important?that’s why I stopped. if it matters, it deserves checking.
the message claimed something was happening in my neighbourhood.
no location beyond “near the market”. no source. just “my cousin knows someone”.
•••
I asked who took the photo. nobody knew.
I searched a sentence from the message. an older post with the same picture appeared.
Nadiaand while you were checking, did anyone else share it?
Tata Frikyand while you were checking, did anyone else share it?yes. in two groups. panic travels faster than my data bundle 😭
I understand why people forward. you want to protect someone.
I’ve done it. the word “urgent” makes waiting feel irresponsible.
but a false warning can waste time or point people at the wrong place.
and a real warning needs the right date, source and action.
•••
now I use a three-question pause: who said it, when, and where can I confirm it?
if I can’t answer, I ask the sender instead of forwarding.
I don’t need to become a detective. just less of a loudspeaker.
Afrikyf has a Week Goal for checking before you share.
Tata FrikyAFRIKYF WEEK GOAL · G06 · Coming back soonCheck Before You ShareExplore the goal ↗
and this article explains why useful local action needs good information.
Tata FrikyAfrikyf · storywhy local action needs good information
Tata Friky
When a message says “share now”, you…
what’s the last message you paused on?