Social media amplifies the spread of misinformation, so it’s essential to act fast when something online is inaccurate. Determining the best way to address online accusations is tricky because the anonymity of the internet often emboldens accusers.

First and foremost, don’t panic.

When faced with an attack of online falsehoods, take a breath (though sometimes difficult) and take the time to figure out the motivation behind the attack. Attention-getting ploys, while disturbing, are different from real problems. The motivation behind the posts is critical to formulating your response. Resist the temptation to give in to feelings of shame, terror, or indignation. Emotion-driven responses can cause more harm than good.

Publicly addressing the accusations and then taking the conversation offline may or may not solve your problem, but it will let your attacker know you are aware of their intent. 

Flooding your social media channels with positive content is another way to take control of the narrative away from your detractors. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for expert advice if the situation appears to be escalating.

If you find yourself in this situation, Red Banyan’s crisis PR experts are ready to act. They will immediately review all your social media accounts, start a social listening program, provide expert guidance, and immediately begin mitigating any damage.

They will also work with you (and your team) to establish policies and procedures to reduce the negative impact and the likelihood of a recurrence.