The identity of the messenger is more important than the message itself. In other words, it’s crucial to consider whether the messenger’s identity is reliable. It matters more to others that they know who I am and recognize me than how well I have built relationships and interacted with them. Identity begins with my proclamation, and credibility only emerges when others acknowledge that proclamation. If there is a significant gap between my declaration and how others perceive me, I will need to invest considerable time and money to bridge that gap. Similarly, if there is a significant discrepancy between the message I intend to convey and my declared identity, it also requires a substantial amount of time and money. Consumers are acutely aware of these differences, yet they often remain silent about them. Asking others to share their inner self-assessment is as burdensome as expecting them to reveal their true selves. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Facts and fake news coexist on social media. So do claims and counterclaims. In theory, the new communication tools of social media give them equal opportunities to express themselves. It's a communication environment, unlike anything humanity has ever known. A great way to make your voice heard in this environment is to state your beliefs and connect with the people who support those beliefs through social media. Social media will connect you with sympathetic people, no matter how illogical or unpersuasive your beliefs. Traditional media can't structurally accommodate this mechanism, but it's a reality. - Joseph's "just my thoughts"