“The more that you read, the more things you
will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go!”
Dr.
Seuss
Welcome to A Secret Blogmas
2025!
Today is Day Eighteen and this eighteenth post is all about the beneficial impact there is if you – as a content creator – have a knowledge, understanding, and awareness of some broader issues on your context and theme. I’ll be discussing some of my thoughts on the broader issues around my own content’s theme of mental health, how I’ve utilised that knowledge, and why I think doing so is so important. So, keep reading to find out why and how having a broader awareness can impact the success and popularity of your content and/or your platform…
1.
Credibility:
When you share accurate, informed information, people are more likely to trust
you. If you spread misinformation, even accidentally, it can damage your
reputation and make others doubt what you say in the future.
2.
Preventing Misinformation:
The internet spreads ideas incredibly fast. Sharing false or misleading
information — even with good intentions — can cause confusion, harm, or panic.
Knowing your facts helps stop that cycle.
3.
Respect for Others:
Online discussions often involve complex or sensitive topics (like science,
politics, or social issues). Being informed shows respect for others’
experiences and perspectives.
4.
Critical Thinking:
Doing your research and understanding a topic helps you evaluate sources,
recognize bias, and form stronger, more nuanced opinions — instead of just
repeating what others say.
5.
Influence and Responsibility:
Whether you have a small group of followers or a large platform, your words can
influence others. Being knowledgeable means, you use that influence
responsibly.
6.
Better Conversations:
When you actually know your stuff, discussions become more meaningful and
productive — you can ask smarter questions, challenge ideas thoughtfully, and
learn from others.
1.
People notice misinformation.
If what you say is wrong or poorly informed, others might correct you — and
some won’t do it kindly. The internet can be quick to call out mistakes,
especially on public platforms.
2.
It can seem disrespectful.
When you speak on a topic you don’t understand (especially serious ones like
health, politics, or social issues), it might look like you don’t respect the
topic or the people affected by it.
3.
It hurts your credibility.
If you share false or confusing information, people might stop taking you
seriously. They may criticize you for not checking facts first.
4.
It can frustrate others.
People who do know the topic might feel
annoyed or even insulted if they see misinformation spreading — and they may
respond negatively out of frustration.
5.
Tone and misunderstanding.
Online messages can easily be misread. If your comments come across as arrogant
or uninformed, others might react harshly, even if you didn’t mean harm.
Stay
calm and don’t respond immediately.
It’s easy to react defensively, but taking a moment to breathe helps you avoid
saying something you’ll regret later.
Check
if the criticism is fair.
Ask yourself: Are
they right? If you did make a mistake, admit it and correct the
information. People often respect honesty and accountability.
Learn
from it.
Use it as a chance to grow. Read more about the topic, ask questions, and be
more careful next time before posting. Everyone makes mistakes — what matters
is how you respond.
Ignore
unhelpful negativity.
Some people comment just to be rude or mean. If the feedback isn’t
constructive, it’s okay to block, mute, or ignore them.
Talk
about it with someone you trust.
If the comments bother you, discuss it with a friend, family member, or
teacher. Getting another perspective can help you process it and feel
supported.
Remember
it happens to everyone.
Even experts make mistakes or face criticism online. The key is not letting it
stop you from learning or sharing your thoughts — just do it more thoughtfully
next time.
1.
A clear acknowledgment of what you did
wrong.
Admit that you spoke before fully understanding the topic. For example: “I
realize that I shared information without checking the facts first.”
2.
An expression of genuine regret.
Show that you understand the impact of your mistake. For example: “I’m
sorry if my words caused confusion or hurt anyone.”
3.
A correction or clarification.
If possible, share the accurate information or admit you’re still learning. For
example: “After reading more about this, I
understand the issue better now.”
4.
A promise to do better.
Let people know you’re taking responsibility and will be more careful in the
future. For example: “Next time, I’ll make
sure to research before I post.”
5.
A respectful tone.
Keep your apology sincere, calm, and free of excuses. Avoid blaming others or
acting defensive.
Do
your research first.
Before posting, read from reliable sources
— such as educational websites, news outlets with good reputations, government
pages, or expert organizations. Avoid random blogs or social media posts unless
they cite credible evidence.
Check
multiple perspectives.
Don’t rely on just one source. Comparing different viewpoints helps you
understand the topic more deeply and spot any bias or misinformation.
Follow
experts and professionals.
Many fields have knowledgeable people who share accurate, well-researched
insights online — such as scientists, educators, or journalists. Following them
can help you stay up to date and learn from trustworthy voices.
Ask
questions.
If something confuses you, don’t be afraid to ask — whether it’s in a comment
section, a forum, or with a teacher or mentor. Learning starts with curiosity.
Take
time before posting.
It’s okay to pause, think, and double-check facts before sharing. Slowing down
helps you post confidently and accurately.
Keep
learning continuously.
The more you read, watch, or listen to educational content — like
documentaries, podcasts, and articles — the more informed you’ll become over
time.
Reflect
before sharing.
Ask yourself: Do
I really understand this? Could someone misunderstand what I’m saying?
If you’re unsure, it might be better to learn a bit more first.
1.
Use trustworthy sources.
Read information from reliable organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH),
Mind, or Mental Health Foundation. These
sources are based on research, not opinions.
2.
Read or listen to experts.
Follow qualified
psychologists, therapists, or mental health educators who share
accurate, evidence-based information online. Make sure they have professional
credentials.
3.
Learn from people with lived experience —
respectfully.
Many people share their personal stories about mental health. Listening to
their experiences can help you understand how different conditions affect
people — but always be careful not to generalize or speak for them.
4.
Avoid stereotypes and myths.
Take time to learn what’s true and what’s a common misunderstanding about
mental health. For example, not all mental illnesses look the same or have
obvious symptoms.
5.
Take mental health courses or webinars.
Many free and short online courses teach the basics of mental health awareness,
first aid, and how to talk responsibly about these topics.
6.
Think before you post.
Ask yourself: Is what I’m sharing helpful, kind, and
accurate? Could it harm or trigger someone? If you’re unsure, it’s better
to research more or avoid posting.
7.
Use sensitive language.
Learning about mental health also means understanding how to talk about it
respectfully — avoiding labels, jokes, or terms that could stigmatize others.
It
shows you’re thoughtful and responsible.
When you take time to learn before speaking, people can tell you care about
accuracy and respect the topic.
It
builds your credibility.
Others are more likely to trust and value your opinions when they see you know
what you’re talking about.
It
helps you communicate clearly.
When you understand a subject, you can explain it in a way that’s easy for
others to follow — which makes you sound confident and intelligent.
It
reflects maturity.
Being informed before you post shows emotional intelligence and self-awareness
— qualities that make a strong impression both online and offline.
It
encourages positive engagement.
People respond better to well-informed comments and discussions. You’re more
likely to inspire respect, thoughtful replies, and even opportunities to
collaborate or lead.
It
helps protect your reputation.
Sharing accurate information shows integrity and helps you avoid the
embarrassment or backlash that can come from spreading misinformation.
Share
accurate information.
Use your knowledge to post facts, helpful tips, or explain concepts in simple
terms — always based on reliable sources. This helps fight misinformation and
spreads awareness.
Promote
understanding and empathy.
Create content that reduces stigma and helps others see mental health as
something normal and important. You can use your knowledge to encourage
kindness, patience, and support.
Offer
encouragement, not diagnosis.
You can talk about coping strategies or self-care ideas, but avoid acting like
a therapist or diagnosing others. Instead, share resources or hotlines where
people can get professional help.
Use
sensitive, respectful language.
Knowing how to speak about mental health thoughtfully helps you make your
content a safe space for everyone — especially for those who are struggling.
Tell
personal stories responsibly.
If you share your own experiences, connect them to what you’ve learned. This
makes your content relatable and educational.
Collaborate
with experts or advocates.
Partnering with professionals or organizations can help you share reliable
information and reach more people safely.
Create
a supportive community.
Use your knowledge to start open, respectful conversations about mental health
— encouraging others to listen, learn, and help one another.
Lead
by example.
Share well-researched, accurate content yourself. When people see that you take
time to learn before posting, they’re more likely to do the same.
Encourage
curiosity, not criticism.
If someone posts something that’s incorrect, respond kindly. You could say
things like, “I
read something different about that — here’s a good source you might like.”
Being respectful helps others stay open to learning.
Share
reliable sources.
Post links to educational websites, articles, or videos that explain topics
clearly. You can caption them with something like, “This is a
great resource if you want to understand this better.”
Start
conversations about learning.
Ask thoughtful questions in comments or posts, such as “What
sources do you trust on this topic?” or “Has anyone
read more about this?” That invites people to think deeper.
Highlight
the importance of accuracy.
Remind people that what we post can influence others — so checking facts is a
way of being responsible online.
Create
or share educational content.
If you enjoy explaining things, make posts, videos, or infographics that help
others understand complex topics in a simple way.
Celebrate
learning.
When someone corrects themselves or shares something informative, acknowledge
it positively — it reinforces that learning is something to be proud of.