When an online story breaks, it will often trend and be reshared by people thousands of times instantly. Alongside each story are thousands of comments, the views and opinions of ordinary people. Many of these comments are typically accompanied by online trolls using anonymity to add their usual and predictable brand of online abuse. Regardless of the facts, people will naturally form their opinions and pass judgment without knowing whether the story is actually true or not. The thousands of comments and reshares often overtake the original story and, in most cases, can be seen as factual in just a matter of days.

The accused’s response or comments are ignored or lost in the sea of replies. The reporting and sharing often act more like a game of whispers. Often, with more being added to the original story and treated by readers as trusted and matter of fact. Often, people believe that if everyone is saying it, it must be true.

Anyone growing up within the online era has to be constantly aware of what they say online and what they share throughout their lives. An immature comment or reference made when they have limited life experience or an inappropriate image can come back to haunt them in the future. The risk is heightened if the person goes on to become famous or in the public eye. Often, once they reach the height of their success, an old post or comment comes to light and typically has grave consequences for them.

Loss of sponsorship deals, employment and even in serious situations, legal proceedings brought about because of something they did or had said years before. Something that has surfaced that often has been long forgotten. When the story breaks, some of those affected will create a video or text response. Though emotional, the apology is often less about what they have done and more about limiting or stopping the story’s impact on their lives.

It is said that we are all the product of our environments. If you live in communities that lack diversity, you are probably more likely to believe in prejudices and stereotypical ideals of individuals or groups. Coupled with immaturity can often be a dangerous combination for many young people. A young person who decides to share their limited worldview will likely forget about what was said. Though it is wrong for them to have and share these ignorant views and opinions, their actions and behaviours can harm and haunt them for the rest of their lives without them even knowing about it.

The reality in all situations and scenarios is often about context and, of course, severity. For example, an immature post made by someone in their youth is not the same as someone who abused their power and privilege for years. On the flipside, the lack of online context has meant that stories that would have been suppressed are now rightfully coming to light, and the perpetrators are finally facing justice. There is, however, a responsibility. The responsibility is on all of us reading these posts and stores to follow up and investigate before treating them as fact. What is the source of the story? Is the source reliable? And, of course, what is the evidence to support the story?

Another vital question is, why is the story coming to light now? If someone has been a celebrity for many years, how could a 20-year post suddenly come to light? Entertainment is a large and lucrative industry, which likely means that many entertainment companies and agents will conduct a risk assessment on their clients and talents. Typically, they will use experienced investigators to access and review these high-profiled individuals in a bid to establish risky posts and potential dangers. Though these stories may seem like a revelation, the reality is that many business professionals are adept and work well within the new online platforms. A story of a 20-year negative post can be used in a helpful way, especially when terminating an expensive sponsorship contract due to a scandal or a way for businesses or individuals to impact their competition negatively.