Not long ago, I found myself in a spirited discussion about current events with a neighbor. We were on opposite sides of the issue, and it showed. But after a pause and a deep breath, we remembered what mattered: we live in the same neighborhood, our kids play together and we share a community. That moment reminded me how easily misinformation can drive a wedge between people who genuinely want the same things.
We talked. We listened. And by the end, we realized we agreed on more than we thought. But what if we hadn’t had that conversation? What if we’d just kept scrolling through our social media feeds, reacting to headlines and posts designed to provoke and not inform?
Social Media Bubbles
We all live in digital bubbles now. Social media feeds us what we “like,” not what we need. Algorithms reinforce our beliefs, and before long, we’re surrounded by voices echoing our own. That’s not conversation — it’s isolation.
And when politics enters the mix, the situation worsens. People with agendas, some actively working to bust and destabilize unions, use half-truths and twisted facts to sway opinions. They thrive on confusion and division.
Don’t Trust Everything You Read
There’s a meme you may have seen online attributing a quote to Abraham Lincoln: “Don’t believe everything you read on the Internet.” It’s funny, but it’s also a warning.
We’re bombarded with information every day, and not all of it is trustworthy. Even outside of social media, spin is everywhere: on TV, in podcasts, and in so-called “legitimate” news sources. If you can’t verify the source, don’t trust the story or what may be presented as “factual.”
Beware of Fake Allies
Let’s be clear: not every source that claims to speak for workers or unions is legitimate. Some wear the mask of solidarity while quietly undermining it. They use fancy names, slick websites and emotional appeals to make you think they’re on your side.
They’re not.
And don’t be so quick to share information. Once it’s out there, it’s out there. Too many have realized too late that what they shared was not correct information from a trusted reliable source, but the ripple effect takes place and like a wildfire, it’s out of control.
Union-busters have gotten smarter and more clever. They hide behind fake profiles, fake groups and fake concern. Their goal? To create a vacuum of trust so you start questioning your union, your reps and your coworkers. Don’t fall for it.
Your Union Is Your Source
If you have questions, don’t rely on a post you saw online. Talk to your union rep. Come to a meeting. Ask for clarification. We’re here for you and we’re accountable to you. I’m accountable to you. That’s what makes our union strong: transparency, connection and trust.
There are people with deceptive agendas. They’re not ours. They’re not yours. They want to divide workers from their unions, pit us against each other and weaken the power we’ve built together.
So next time you see something online that makes your blood boil or your heart race, or even grinds your gears, pause. Ask yourself: Who is behind this? What do they want? And then reach out to your union, your union rep, or your stewards.
That’s how we stay strong. That’s how we stay informed. That’s how we stay united to move forward and improve the lives of our members and their families.
