Why You Should Be Wary of Professional Advice Given on Social Media
In an age where social media dominates our daily lives, it’s no surprise that many of us turn to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for advice on various topics. From health and fitness to financial planning and legal matters, professional advice is readily available at our fingertips. However, the ease of access and the convenience of social media can be misleading, and it’s crucial to approach professional advice shared on these platforms with caution. Here’s why:
1. Questionable Credentials and Expertise
One of the most significant issues with professional advice on social media is the difficulty in verifying the credentials and expertise of the individuals offering it, as well as having all the relevant information in order to proffer the advice. While some social media advisors have legitimate qualifications, others who sound authoritative may lack the necessary education, experience, or expertise. Unlike traditional professionals who must meet specific standards and hold certifications, anyone can present themselves as an expert on social media. This makes it easy for misinformation to spread, potentially leading to harmful consequences.
2. Lack of Personalized Advice
Professional advice is most effective when it is tailored to the individual’s unique circumstances. Social media, by its nature, caters to a broad audience, making it challenging to provide personalized recommendations. Advice that works well for one person may not be suitable for another. In a proper legal consultation, the lawyer will have questions, gather various facts and will tailor the advice to the situation presented. General advice can often miss the nuances required for effective problem-solving and decision-making, leading to misguided actions.
3. The Risk of Misinformation
Social media is a breeding ground for misinformation. The viral nature of content means that inaccurate or misleading advice can spread rapidly before it is corrected. Bad advice can have serious, long-lasting repercussions; following incorrect medical advice can lead to health complications, while poor financial advice can result in significant financial loss. I think everyone has seen their medical professionals roll their eyes when we mention “Dr. Google”, and the same holds true for the legal field. Laws vary from province to province and state to state and reading something on social media that “worked for a family in Florida to avoid probate” may not work in Ontario.
4. Oversimplification of Complex Issues
Professional fields like law, medicine, and finance are inherently complex and require a deep understanding of the subject matter. Social media, with its preference for short, digestible content, often leads to the oversimplification of these complex issues. This can result in advice that lacks the necessary depth and context to be genuinely useful. For instance, a 280-character tweet or a 60-second video clip is insufficient to convey the intricacies of a legal case or the nuances of a financial strategy.
5. No Accountability
Unlike professionals who work within regulated industries and are held accountable for the advice they provide, individuals on social media often operate without the same level of scrutiny and accountability. This lack of oversight means that there are few repercussions for giving bad advice, making it easier for misinformation to thrive. In regulated professions, there are mechanisms for addressing malpractice or misconduct, but such mechanisms are largely absent on social media platforms.
6. Confirmation Bias and Echo Chambers
Social media algorithms are designed to show users content that aligns with their interests and beliefs, creating echo chambers that reinforce existing biases. This can lead to a skewed perception of reality and make it difficult to identify credible advice. When seeking professional advice, individuals may unknowingly gravitate towards information that confirms their preexisting beliefs rather than objective, fact-based recommendations.
How to Navigate Professional Advice on Social Media
Given the potential pitfalls, it’s important to approach so-called “professional” advice on social media with a critical eye. Quality professional advice often involves a nuanced discussion of the issue at hand. Be wary of overly simplistic advice that doesn’t acknowledge the complexity of the topic. Consult your professional directly; while advice given on social media is does not attract an immediate fee or bill, it can be very costly. When considering the cost of professional advice, you should also consider the cost of having your professional undo something that has been done incorrectly. Just ask anyone who has had to go to court over a DIY contract! Just like the old credit card ad, the peace of mind that comes with having professional representation can be priceless.
Contact us if we can help you with your legal matters in the areas of real estate, business law or wills and estates.