Alarmed By What You’ve Read?

Will Ironman return to Asia?

Just because it is linked or shared via social media, does it mean that it is reliable? Many links are made with little regard for reading the article and being critical about its contents. Sharing material online still requires a sense of responsibility. Remember: you can still ignore the posting, if it contains drivel and dumbfounding data and descriptions.

Fear drives action. Action drives sales. I am openly annoyed with salespeople who attempt to make sales, by introducing dated literature and anecdotal evidence. Most claims made by the manufacturers (of these over-priced nutritional products) have not been validated by the FDA or similar national body. So, we should not be bamboozled by misleading advertising. Buyer beware, but use your head. Advertorials are also cleverly and thinly disguised reports on advertised products, and heavily tout their benefits. Consider slimming and beauty centres/chains, as well as product launches.

Many consumers have no idea what the numbers means: mg, mcg, and IUs. How do you what is the recommended daily rate? What happens if you are engaged in regular strenuous activities? Are you expected to consume more antioxidants if you engage in regular aerobic activities?

Perhaps, we should insist on more empirical research and less anecdotal reliance? If it is in the news, there is a higher degree of credibility, objectivity and believability if it is based on facts. Opinion pieces are more subjective. For instance, a leading online magazine reported that Macca will not be going to the Olympics, nor is Emma Snowsill who was an Olympian before. Because they were interviewed, and gave their perspectives the news is more worthy of our attention. If it is based on results, you cannot dispute the official results, unless there was a glaring typological error.

If this report was true and accurate, it may upset millions due to the implications and ramifications of secrecy/secret formula. It also suggests that labeling has been deceitful, or national authorities on food & drug control have been careless.

Expanding Your Thinking Outside the Blogosphere

I have been enjoying my online time with friends via Twitter and Facebook. There is much to be gleaned from the postings, be it links to websites, blogs, music and film trailers. In recent weeks, the amount of humour has also increased and there is certainly room for laughter at every moment.

I also identified leaders within our midst. They have started discussions; focused on safety, care for the environment, fair play and values. If you are willing, you can begin reading and make the connection. Sometimes you agree; other times, you disagree. Sometimes, you just enjoy the arguments and proposals. We have choices. Make good decisions to write, make better decisions to post. Sometimes it would be better to read and lurk, than post and regret.

New media (or Social Media 2.0) can be a powerful tool to educate, eradicate and entertain. However, like a double-edge sword this electronic pen can be mightier than the digital sword. Be upset, and you can upset others with a few deft strokes on your keyboard. Nothing is sacred for discussion. Dirty laundry gets aired, and gets dirtier on a colossal scale; digital imprints are left over this universe of information and infamy.

Think before you hit the ‘return’ key. Make sure you check before you post for inappropriate content and tone. Ensure there is a delete function so that you can make corrections rapidly. Be a responsible Netizen. With great bandwidth (and applications) comes greater responsibility.

Expand your consciousness of thinking and connecting, not your notoriety.