DAY TEN | A SECRET BLOGMAS 2025

“We have to be careful in how we use this light shined on us.”

Melinda Gates

Welcome to A Secret Blogmas 2025!

Today is Day Ten and this tenth post is all about the beneficial impact there is if you – as a content creator - are careful when creating content that concerns sensitive topics. As a mental health Influencer, there are sensitive topics everywhere and so this is something I’ve learnt the importance of massively over the years. Keep reading to find out why and how being careful with sensitive topics can impact the success and popularity of your content and/or your platform…

1.       AI / Deepfake Content & Misinformation

o    Use of AI to generate misleading content: AI clones, false imagery, or things that blur fact/fiction.

o    Deepfakes in political or religious contexts can provoke outrage.

o    Concerns about accountability and transparency of AI tools.

o    E.g. controversies around AI chatbots, emotional manipulation, political deepfakes.

2.      Political Polarisation & Extremism

o    Conflicts like Israel/Palestine remain highly charged. Large volumes of emotionally intense content, conflicting narratives.

o    Rise of far-right networks/groups using social platforms to spread anti-immigrant sentiment, conspiracy theories.

o    Disputes over political speech, censorship, freedom of speech vs. content moderation.

3.       Human Rights / Identity Issues

o    Gender, LGBTQ+ rights, discrimination based on race or religion continue to trigger strong reactions. E.g. alterations or censorship in media of LGBTQ+ representations.

o    Racial and national origin hate speech / backlash after global events, disasters, or accidents. E.g. derogatory comments after tragedies when victims are from minority or immigrant communities.

4.       Privacy, Data Use, & Trust in Platforms

o    Growing distrust of how platforms collect/use data, especially with AI, algorithmic targeting.

o    Concerns about political targeting in advertising, or exclusion targeting based on sensitive identities.

5.       Violence & Graphic Content

o    The ethics of showing graphic violence, or content moderation failures that allow disturbing content to spread.

o    Livestreamed violence or atrocities raise profound concerns about shock, trauma, platform responsibility.

6.      Social Media Regulation, Safety for Minors

o    Debates around minimum age, verification, protection of children from harmful content.

o    Governments pushing for stronger regulation of platforms, content moderation standards.

7.      Ethical concerns in Influencer / Advertising Space

o    AI-generated influencers, lack of transparency in sponsored content.

o    Use of “algospeak” or euphemisms to skirt moderation (e.g. altering words related to violence or sexual content) — this can trivialise serious issues.

8.       Social Justice & Inequality

o    Protests & movements related to corruption, government accountability, wealth inequality. E.g. Gen Z protests in Nepal.

o    Immigration policy, treatment of migrants and refugees, asylum issues often generate strong reactions.

Digital ID / National Identity & Privacy

·         The UK government is pushing for a mandatory digital ID (“BritCard”) for adults in part to restrict illegal immigration and improve identity checks for things like right-to-work. This has raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and surveillance

·         People are wary about how much the government should hold personal biometric / identity data, how it will be stored, and how it might be used.

Online Safety & Age Verification for Children / Teens

·         From 25 July 2025, new UK laws require stronger checks for under-18s to protect them from content like pornography, self-harm, suicide, hate speech, violence. Platforms must use secure age verification (facial scans, photo ID, card checks) for access.

·         Concerns about harms from misleading influencers, misogynistic content, dangerous role models, etc., especially in schools. Teachers report increased negative behaviour tied to content spread by influencers.

Misinformation, Algorithms & Online Extremism

·         How algorithms promote or amplify polarising content, extremist or far-right narratives, or misleading/inflammatory posts.

·         Misinformation during protests, especially regarding immigration / asylum seekers, is a live issue. False or misleading claims spread fast, and many people are calling for more transparency from platforms and government regulation.

Immigration, Asylum & Anti-immigration Protests

·         Immigration is already a hot topic politically; how migrants are treated, how asylum seekers are accommodated, or where they live (e.g. hotels) causes local protests and social media coordination.

·         These topics often overlap with distrust of media / misinformation and with debates about national identity. The framing of immigration in social media (and whether it is fact-based or fear-based) is very sensitive.

Content Moderation, Free Speech vs. Regulation

·         The UK passed the Online Safety Act (OSA) in 2023; its implementation is bringing into sharp focus what counts as “harmful content,” how platforms should filter or remove it, and how heavy-handed regulation should be. Some argue it’s necessary for safety; others believe it risks over-censorship and stifling free expression.

·         For instance, rules requiring stricter age verification and restrictions on children accessing certain content are controversial.

Identity, Race, Minoritized Communities & Online Harms

·         Minoritized ethnic people report greater fear with regard to how their data is used, about discrimination on social media, and about being targeted or misrepresented.

·         There are debates about “politically sensitive” topics (stop and search, police use of force, racial justice) and whether institutional rules or draft policies will silence certain groups more than others.

Influencers, Misogyny & Social Norms

·         Concerns, especially from teachers and education, about how some influencers propagate misogyny or harmful gender stereotypes, how that influences young people.

·         Also, broader worries about how social media shapes behaviour, self-image, mental health, especially among teenagers. Harms related to self-harm, suicide content, body image, etc. This ties back to the Online Safety Act.

Cost of Living, NHS, Economy & Social Well-Being

·         Although not purely “social media” topics, public opinion shows that the cost of living, the NHS, and the economy remain top-of-mind for people. Posts touching on these tend to be highly sensitive and emotionally charged.

·         These issues are often intertwined with migration, government policy, taxes, welfare, etc., making them fertile ground for heated debate on social platforms.

1. Psychological & Emotional Impact

• Distress & Trauma: Graphic, violent, or exploitative content can cause secondary trauma, especially if repeated in feeds.
• Anxiety & Fear: Fear-inducing misinformation (e.g., about crime, health, or immigration) can fuel paranoia.
• Shame or Alienation: Marginalised groups may feel attacked, excluded, or devalued when identity-related topics are mishandled.
• Normalisation of Harm: Repeated exposure to misogyny, racism, or self-harm content can desensitise users, making harmful behaviour seem “normal.”

2. Social & Community Impact

• Polarisation & Division: Mishandled sensitive issues deepen “us vs them” mentalities, fragmenting communities online and offline.
• Spread of Misinformation: Sensationalist or biased handling encourages echo chambers, where false narratives go viral faster than corrections.
• Erosion of Trust: Followers lose confidence in influencers, institutions, or platforms if they downplay or exploit sensitive topics.
• Amplification of Hate Speech: Mishandling can legitimise discriminatory or extremist ideas, giving harmful groups momentum.

3. Behavioural Impact

• Radicalisation: Repeated exposure to extremist framings of sensitive topics can draw individuals into harmful ideologies.
• Copycat Behaviour: Mishandled reporting on suicide, self-harm, or violence can inspire imitation (known as the “Werther effect”).
• Withdrawal: Some readers disengage from online spaces altogether to avoid distress, which can isolate them from supportive networks.
• Reinforcement of Bias: Poorly framed discussions may strengthen pre-existing prejudices rather than challenge them.

4. Institutional & Societal Impact

• Erosion of Civic Dialogue: Mishandled discourse discourages constructive debate and mutual understanding.
• Pressure on Mental Health Services: A rise in online harms often translates into offline demand for counselling and crisis intervention.
• Reputational Damage: Brands and influencers risk backlash, boycotts, or “cancel culture” if seen as exploiting sensitive topics insensitively.
• Policy Consequences: Mishandled online debates can drive reactive legislation, sometimes leading to over-censorship or rushed regulation.

1. Acknowledge the Sensitivity

• Start by naming that the issue is sensitive. This shows awareness and respect.
• Example: “This topic may be difficult for some — I’ll approach it carefully and welcome respectful dialogue.”

2. Be Informed & Contextual

• Share accurate, verified information (cite sources, avoid speculation).
• Give context so readers understand the “why,” not just the “what.”
• Avoid sensationalism, which often fuels distress.

3. Language Choices Matter

• Use neutral, precise, and non-stigmatising language (e.g. “person experiencing homelessness” vs. “the homeless”).
• Avoid sweeping generalisations (“all immigrants,” “everyone thinks”) that polarise.

4. Empathy & Humanisation

• Centre human stories respectfully, not exploitatively.
• Show compassion even when discussing divisive issues (e.g. recognising the fears on both sides of a protest).

5. Content Warnings & Control

• Offer trigger/content warnings for graphic or potentially upsetting content.
• Use opt-in formats (e.g. “click to expand” images) so people can choose their exposure.

6. Encourage Constructive Engagement

• Frame posts as invitations to dialogue, not declarations.
• Moderate comments to prevent harassment, trolling, or hate speech that amplifies harm.
• Emphasise listening over “winning” arguments.

7. Know Your Role

• If you’re a brand, influencer, or educator: ask yourself whether speaking on the issue adds value or risks looking exploitative.
• Sometimes silence or amplifying others’ voices is more ethical than leading the conversation.

1. Do Your Homework First

• Research thoroughly: Use credible, diverse sources so your content isn’t one-sided or misinformed.
• Check current language: Terms change (e.g., around mental health, gender, race). Use respectful, up-to-date phrasing.
• Listen to affected voices: Where possible, include or amplify the perspectives of those directly impacted.

2. Clarify Your Intent

• Ask yourself: Why am I making this?
• To educate?
• To raise awareness?
• To share a personal story?
• Being clear on purpose helps shape tone and avoids looking exploitative or “performative.”

3. Use Careful Framing

• Acknowledge the sensitivity: Signal respect for the gravity of the issue.
• Provide context: Don’t drop shocking info without explanation. Help your audience understand the why.
• Avoid sensationalism: Don’t exaggerate or dramatize just to get clicks — that usually backfires.

4. Mindful Language & Tone

• Stay neutral and precise when dealing with controversial facts.
• Use empathetic language — avoid jokes, stereotypes, or casual phrasing that might trivialise.
• Choose “people-first” language (“person experiencing homelessness” vs. “the homeless”).

5. Content Warnings & Boundaries

• Add content/trigger warnings for violence, self-harm, racism, etc., so people can choose whether to engage.
• Consider using “click to reveal” for graphic imagery.
• Be explicit about your boundaries: “I won’t be discussing XYZ in depth because it’s not my expertise.”

6. Engage Responsibly

• Invite respectful dialogue, but set expectations for comments (no hate speech, harassment, etc.).
• Be ready to moderate — deleting harmful replies protects not only you but also your audience.
• Share resources: helplines, organisations, or further reading, so the conversation doesn’t end with your post.

7. Protect Yourself Too

• Sensitive content can attract trolls. Use block/mute tools liberally.
• Don’t overshare personal trauma if it risks your mental health. Sharing some vulnerability can be powerful, but it’s okay to keep parts private.
• Have a peer or friend review before posting if you’re unsure.

8. Reflect & Adapt

• Watch how your audience reacts. Were they informed, engaged, or hurt?
• If someone raises a valid concern, acknowledge, and adjust — it shows integrity.
• Keep learning — sensitivity evolves as cultures shift.

Step 1: Pause & Check In With Yourself

• Don’t react instantly. It’s natural to feel defensive, embarrassed, or anxious — especially if you didn’t mean harm. Take a breath.
• Distinguish between critique and trolling. Some feedback is sincere; some is just hostility. They deserve different responses.

Step 2: Listen & Acknowledge

• Read carefully. Understand what exactly upset the person — the topic, the tone, a word choice, or the way it was framed.
• Acknowledge feelings, not just facts. You don’t have to agree but showing empathy matters.
• Example: “I see that what I said came across as dismissive — that wasn’t my intention, and I appreciate you pointing it out.”

Step 3: Reflect & Evaluate

• Ask yourself: Was the feedback fair? Does it highlight a blind spot or a better way I could frame things?
• Check your sources and framing. Did you unintentionally spread misinformation, stereotype, or overlook a sensitive perspective?

Step 4: Respond Constructively (if appropriate)

• Clarify or correct if something was misunderstood.
• Apologise sincerely if harm was caused (without being performative).
• “I realise now how that could be harmful. I’ll do better in how I frame this next time.”
• Set boundaries if the feedback is hostile or abusive: you don’t owe trolls your energy.

Step 5: Learn & Adjust

• Take it as a chance to refine your voice and approach.
• Add content warnings, rephrase posts, or link to resources to give context next time.
• Remember: handling critique well can actually build trust with your audience.

Step 6: Protect Your Mental Health

• Don’t internalise every negative comment. One person’s hurt doesn’t mean you’re universally harmful.
• Step back if needed. Limit comments, mute threads, or take a break from platforms.
• Seek support. Talk it through with friends, peers, or mentors who understand online life.

Emotional Support

• Validation: Knowing others face the same struggles (criticism, backlash, self-doubt) helps reduce feelings of isolation.
• Empathy: Fellow creators “get it” — they’ve been through the anxiety of posting something sensitive and can reassure you it’s normal.
• Safe venting space: Private groups, DMs, or creator circles can be safe places to share worries without public judgment.

Practical Support

• Feedback & Review: Other influencers can look over drafts or scripts before posting and flag tone issues, potentially harmful phrasing, or missing context.
• Content Warnings & Framing Tips: They may suggest where to add disclaimers, context, or softer entry points into difficult topics.
• Examples & Resources: Sharing how they handled similar issues (good and bad) or pointing to guidelines and best practices.

Collective Strength

• Amplifying voices responsibly: Sometimes a sensitive issue is better approached collectively. Multiple creators can collaborate, showing it’s a shared concern rather than a lone voice.
• Navigating backlash: Other influencers can offer strategies for handling criticism, trolls, or mass-reporting campaigns.
• Advocacy & Solidarity: If one creator is unfairly targeted, peers speaking up in support can help protect reputation and mental health.

Professional Growth

• Mentorship: More experienced bloggers can guide newer ones on how to balance transparency with care.
• Boundary setting: Others can model how to say “this isn’t my area of expertise” without losing credibility.
• Collaboration: Co-creating sensitive content (like panels, interviews, joint videos) shares responsibility and ensures more diverse perspectives.