I – Information is Power… When It’s Accurate

As genealogists, we're wired to be curious. We love finding new facts, records, and stories. Social media is an amazing tool for discovering all kinds of information... but it can be a bit of a double-edged sword.

There’s a lot of content out there. Some of it is gold. Some of it? Not so much.

In the genealogy world, we know the value of verifying our sources. We wouldn’t add someone to our tree based on a random hint or unsourced post, so we should treat what we see on social media the same way.

The Good Side of Social Media Info

There’s so much great information floating around:

• Links to record collections and archives

• Quick tutorials or research tips

• Announcements about events or webinars

• Community-shared discoveries that open new doors

I’ve learned a ton through social media, especially from other genealogists who generously share their research journeys. But I always keep my “verify it” hat on.

The Caution Flag

It’s easy to share things that sound right or helpful, especially quotes, charts, or family tree images. But if we don’t pause and verify first, we might unintentionally spread misinformation.

As genealogists, we’re in a great position to set the tone by:

• Asking for sources (kindly!) when people post family facts

• Sharing links to reliable resources

• Being okay with saying “That’s interesting—let me look into it more”

Information is Power… When It’s Accurate

Let’s keep social media a space for growth, learning, and connection by treating information with care. Verify before you share. Ask questions. Follow those digital breadcrumbs all the way to the source.

That’s how we stay rooted in truth while still enjoying all that social media has to offer in terms of inspiration and collaboration.