10 Things NOT to Do When Talking About Big World Events

Big world events are complicated- and so are the conversations about them. One bad take can make you sound uninformed, insensitive, or like that person everyone mutes in the group chat. Here’s how not to fumble the conversation.

1. Don’t Spread Unverified Information

   If your source is “my cousin’s friend on Facebook,” delete it. You’re not breaking news- you’re just breaking credibility.

2. Don’t Make It All About You

   Global crises are not a backdrop for your personal memoir. “This reminds me of my trip to Paris…” No.

3. Don’t Mock or Dismiss Serious Issues

   Empathy costs nothing. Try it sometime.

4. Don’t Lecture Without Listening

   You’re not hosting a TED Talk. Conversations require two people — not one soapbox.

5. Don’t Oversimplify Complex Situations

   If your solution fits in a tweet, it’s probably wrong. The world isn’t that simple.

6. Don’t Use Suffering for Clout

   Hashtags and performative posts don’t help if they’re just for likes.

7. Don’t Belittle Other Perspectives

   Disagreeing is fine. Dismissing people entirely? That’s just arrogance dressed as insight.

8. Don’t Turn It Into a Debate Contest

   This isn’t about winning points. It’s about understanding.

9. Don’t Stay Silent If You’re Informed

   If you have the knowledge and platform to help, use it. Quiet doesn’t change the world.

10. Don’t Forget the Human Side

    Behind every headline are real people. Talk like you know that.

Final Thought

Big conversations require big hearts. Stay informed. Stay humble. And remember: compassion beats hot takes every time.