There are about five billion social media users in the world (about 60% of the world’s population).
And Facebook is the most popular social media platform in the world with over three billion users.
Since social media is popular around the world, the CIA uses it to recruit people who are willing to spy.
Recently, the CIA released a video to Russians who are upset with their government appealing for them to spy on behalf of the U.S.
The goal is to take advantage of Russians who disagree with their country’s invasion of Ukraine.
This was actually the third video the CIA has released to Russians, and according to a CIA spokesperson, the videos have been very successful.
The agency used social media including X, Instagram, and Telegram, and the first two videos were viewed more than two million times.
One of the videos is called, “Why I Contacted the CIA: The Motherland.”
The video talks about how Russian leaders are living lavish lifestyles while soldiers run out of food and use outdated weapons.
The video says that Russia can be saved if people are willing to work with the CIA.
And there is no question that social media has sparked paranoia and fear among Russian leaders.
The CIA’s social media recruiting strategy is a great example of outside the box thinking.
The Agency is openly recruiting using one of the most popular tools in the world.
Many times, people share too much personal – even potentially compromising – information online.
However, social media is a great way to share the right kinds of valuable information, especially in an emergency.
In fact, here are a few ways that you can use social media to your advantage during a disaster.
Create a group:
Before a disaster strikes you could create a private social media group.
A private group is a great way to share information with loved ones or people nearby that you know and trust.
It can be a way to create meet-up locations or discuss evacuation routes.
For example, on Facebook, you can create a private group with tight control over who joins the group.
You can invite family members or friends that you personally know to this group, or only people who live on your street, etc.
The point is, you can make it so the group is filled with only trusted people, so the information shared is more likely to be accurate and honest.
Government officials:
Cities and government officials, and police and fire departments use social media to post information all the time.
During a disaster, you can find accurate information by following official agencies on social media.
So, make sure you are following your local and state emergency agencies on social media.
It could be the only way to get reliable information during a disaster.
And it can provide a lifeline if you need to contact someone for help.
Photos/videos:
Obviously, you can’t believe everything you read on social media.
But pictures, videos, and real-time live streams can go a long way in providing accurate information.
For instance, you could post on social media asking, “Does anyone know how the traffic is on Highway 165?”
You can request videos and pictures to verify current conditions.
Maybe you heard the road was washed out and you want proof.
Asking questions about conditions backed by proof is a way to get real-time information where you have no other option.
Faster than news:
Information is usually posted to social media before it can be put out by news organizations.
That’s because citizens onsite can post real time information long before a news station can get a reporter to the scene.
Also, news agencies have to jump through hoops before they can run with a story.
When disaster strikes chaos can follow.
Being prepared to use social media as a source for information can give you an advantage – just as long as it’s from trusted sources or backed with proof.
