Today, it is easier than ever to create and distribute messages to a large audience: local, national or even global. For this, it is enough to have a phone or computer, access to the Internet and a desire to share information. So each of us simply has to learn to be a responsible creator and use the media correctly for self-presentation. Of course, not everyone maintains their own profile on Facebook or Instagram, but those who do have it, our following recommendations will be useful.

To begin with, answer the main questions – who do you want to influence when you post updates on Facebook or Instagram? Is your audience and access to views limited to friends, colleagues or, conversely, is your profile open to everyone? Is what you post an accurate representation of who you are and what your life is like? If these questions seem too serious to you, remember that many employers review the profiles of potential employees, and in the European Union this practice is generally officially recommended. So, either keep your page in closed mode and for a narrow circle of close people, or consider the potential consequences of your open virtual life.

In order to become a responsible creator of media content, you should check the information, photos and videos that you publish, respect copyright and simply take care of quality – a blurry and crooked photo is unlikely to decorate your profile.

During the Russian-Ukrainian war, which is also unfolding in the media field, it is very important not to publish information that could harm the Ukrainian military or civilian population. It is not possible to record the routes of movement of troops or equipment, the places of their deployments, or the consequences of enemy hits. Excessive aggression, hate speech or calls for non-constructive actions will not help us win. Remember also that all social networks have their own rules of conduct and their violation may lead to a temporary or even permanent ban of your profile with all created content.

This publication was prepared within the framework of the project “Citizenship for Democratization” with the assistance of the European Union, which is carried out by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consultation. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the NGO “Volyn Foundation” and in no way reflects the point of view of the European Union and the Institute of Economic Research and Political Consultation.

Anna Danylchuk, NGO “Volyn Foundation”