There is an assumption that we all need to be posting and liking/resharing online. While social media is powerful, it may not be a match for everyone. If you do want to use social media, here are some tips for safer ways to engage.
- Follow, amplify, and share
Begin by supporting informed, moderate, respected experts advocating for Palestine. Interacting with online content (liking, commenting, sharing) helps it gain traction, giving visibility to news that the algorithms or mainstream media may have suppressed. Content from humanitarian agencies and international organizations may be less controversial points of entry:
Amnesty International, Médecins Sans Frontières, Save the Children, UNICEF - Start in friendlier territory
Consider posting amongst friends (e.g. Instagram, TikTok) before co-workers or bosses (e.g. LinkedIn) as you find your voice. Experiment with different social media platforms. Try a more comfortable space first, then expand outward. - Speak for yourself
Remove your employer’s name from your profile. This will help people perceive you as an individual rather than a representative of any company.
This is more mindful of risks to your employer and better protects your job. - Post when calm and collected
Avoid posting when you are overly angry or distressed. Social media is not advised immediately after waking up or right before going to bed. Try to limit
“doom scrolling” images of devastation (especially human injury) to what you truly need to stay motivated and active. Be brave, but be wise – the internet doesn’t forget. If you wouldn’t say something in a meeting with people you don’t know, pause and reflect before saying it on social media. - Center real human suffering
Fear originates from a threat of harm, and we all must decide what we’re willing to risk. For example, if you criticize Israel, you are almost certain to be called antisemitic. Learn to manage fear skillfully and weigh it against the deeper suffering. As author Regina Jackson counsels, “never let your FEELINGS be more important than someone else’s pain and suffering. PERIOD. Most of our fears are unfounded, GENOCIDE is real and happening as we watch.” - Live aligned with your values
Choose your friends and employers carefully so you are not self-censoring online or compromising what you know is right just to please others.
