Free speech & dialogue

Example scenario: a screenshot says a local school is closing next week. Before forwarding it, write down the exact claim: which school, what date, and who supposedly made the announcement?

1. Look for the school or responsible authority’s original announcement. Check whether the screenshot omits a date, location or later correction.
2. If you cannot establish the claim, leave it unshared. “I could not verify this” describes your evidence; it does not prove that the claim is false.
3. If you already shared it, correct the same conversation: “I shared this before checking. I have not found confirmation, so please do not rely on my earlier message.”

For a disagreement: “I understand your concern is ____. The point I am unsure about is ____. What evidence would help us check it?” This makes one claim discussable without labelling the other person.

Useful result: one claim checked or one correction made. Keep private messages private, and stop an exchange if it becomes threatening. Respectful wording does not oblige anyone to accept unsupported claims.

Illustrative exercise by Humain Alert · 13 September 2026. This is not a reported visitor experience.