When you need advice, you might think about asking a group of people online. After all, there are tons of people out there who have great information to share. While that may be true, it doesn’t mean you’ll get correct information. Relying on advice from random strangers online can lead to poor decisions and even harm. Before following advice you get online, consider the following risks.
Your situation will always lack context
You probably know what it’s like to explain a situation to someone online, only to have them completely miss the point. That’s the reality of online communication – it’s not enough for someone to get the full context of your situation. When you’re just trying to choose between clothing brands, it’s not a big deal. However, if you’re seeking help regarding something more serious – like a lawsuit – a lack of context can steer you in the wrong direction and surprise you down the road.
Legal advice from internet users is especially dangerous to follow. Every case, no matter how similar it may seem to someone else’s situation, has nuances that can change the game dramatically. For instance, you’ll find a lot of people talking about truck drivers who cause accidents while distracted or driving under the influence, but not many discuss comparative negligence. If you rely on these conversations to assess your potential case outcome, you might be surprised when you’re assigned partial responsibility for the accident and your settlement is reduced. That doesn’t always happen, but only a qualified personal injury attorney can prepare you for what may come.
Opinions will differ greatly
People love sharing their opinions and experiences online, and in a group setting, those opinions will vary drastically. For example, if you try sourcing advice from social media sites like Reddit, you’ll get a variety of responses that won’t all be aligned. Each person’s perspective and opinion might be entirely true for them, but that doesn’t mean their experience applies to your situation.
It’s important to ask follow-up questions if you’re seriously considering taking someone’s advice. You need to know what circumstances made their choices work for them, so you can see if it’s relevant.
Expertise can be an illusion
Many people online consider themselves to be experts despite not having any credentials. While credentials aren’t always required to have extensive knowledge, there are a lot of grifters out there. No matter how popular someone is, if you can’t verify how and where they learned their craft, be careful about following their advice, especially if there’s money at stake. Popular content creators are often paid to hype up bad investment opportunities run by scammers.
You’re subject to confirmation bias
It’s natural to lean toward advice that confirms your existing beliefs, but confirmation bias is hard to break free from. Continuous exposure to similar viewpoints will reinforce your personal biases, making you more resistant to alternative perspectives.
Online platforms tend to become echo chambers, and the algorithms are designed to show you content already aligned with your preferences. This just reinforces what you already believe. Unless you’re actively seeking out a variety of opinions, including ones you disagree with, you won’t get the full picture needed to make an informed decision.
The risk of loss is real
The consequences of following misinformation can be severe. Whether it’s bad health advice or investment tips from unqualified individuals, there’s a lot at stake. For instance, some social media groups promote dangerous diets and health treatments, and there are a lot of crypto scams going around. It’s not worth putting your health and finances in the hands of strangers.
Some solutions are just bandages
If you’re looking for advice in an area you’re not familiar with, you may not realize the solutions being presented to you are just bandages and not real fixes.
Expert groups aren’t always full of experts
You might find active online communities with members who appear to be experts, especially if they’ve been vetted by moderators and have a flashy custom title that displays their status. However, that doesn’t mean they’re qualified to give you advice.
For instance, you can find some decent marketing tips on Reddit, but that doesn’t mean you’re talking to experts. Think about it. Do you really think experts sit on Reddit all day answering questions from strangers? Probably not. They’re more likely out there generating new clients and working on projects.
Navigate online advice with caution
While the internet can offer some helpful tips and tricks, it’s essential to approach advice with skepticism. Following guidance from strangers online – no matter who they claim to be – is risky. Some advice is harmless, but when your health, finances, or relationships are at stake, it’s better to consult with a verified pro to avoid negative consequences.
