Over the past few days, I've received multiple texts from family and friends concerned about looters "headed our way." It's not unusual for me to get texts and messages pertaining to breaking news in and around Rockford but it's been more frequent since the end of May. So many, in fact, I felt the need to give my opinion on where the concerns are stemming from - social media neighborhood groups. Please be aware of information is coming from.

Facebook neighborhood groups are not news sources. Please don't misunderstand me because I am in several neighborhood groups because of my job. Often times I find great content in these groups but there are times like these where I find the so much more of the opposite. You see, there are times when information shared is hearsay or assumptions, neither of which guarantee accuracy. I say this because I've noticed or have been told about messages shared in several neighborhood groups regarding looting.

There's a charter bus headed down (insert highway here) headed toward our neighbor to loot!

It's important to be cautious and aware but, at the same time, the messages shared in these groups or on the Next Door app can turn in the "telephone game", where words and messages can get twisted. Again, there's nothing wrong with these groups just be aware of the source of information. Anxiety, depression, and fear are at an all-time high as it is, reading into messages that might be inaccurate definitely won't help your mentality. One thing we've been taught and encouraged to practice is cross-checking information through multiple reliable resources before sharing, even on our personal social media accounts. If information is shared through Q98.5, 97ZOK, 96.7 The Eagle, of 1440 WROK's mobile apps there is a very high probability that you are getting the most accurate information. Getting accurate information to you has always been our job but more important today than in recent years.


JB Love is ½ of  Q98.5's Lil Zim & JB In The Morning, weekday mornings from 5:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. Follow him on Twitter, Instagram.


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