ThinkCritical.eu · Manipulation atlas
Pressure and emotionShare bait
“Share before they delete it!” – the message is meant to spread faster than anyone can check it.
A call to share turns readers into unwitting spreaders. The threat “before they delete it” also explains in advance why the post might disappear – and turns fact-checking or moderation into “censorship”.
Post in a neighbourhood group: “The tap water is poisoned and the council is hiding it. Share before they delete it!!!”
How to spot it
- “Share this”, “send it to everyone you know”, “people need to know”.
- Claims that someone is deleting, hiding or banning the message.
- Lots of urgency, no source you can check.
How to check and what to do
- Before sharing, find the story in at least two independent sources you trust.
- For warnings (water, weather, illness), wait for an official channel – the council, the water company, the fire service or the public health authority.
- If you’re not sure, don’t share. Nothing bad happens if you pass it on only after checking.
Tip: A real warning has no reason to fear deletion – it comes through official channels.
Full explanation and exercises:
thinkcritical.eu/en/manipulation-atlas/share-bait