Online Groups Aren't Always What They Seem

These days, the internet lets regular folks from across the globe get together over shared interests and beliefs like never before. While a lot of online communities are just fine places to learn, lend a hand, and make new friends, there's also a big ol' mess of deception and trickery going on with some of those groups. It is my hope that this article helps you to be more observant and discerning when it comes to putting your time and reputation on the line.

One common deceptive tactic is creating a veneer of credibility and legitimacy through the use of professional-looking websites, logos, and social media branding. This can make even some of the craziest fringe groups pushing make-believe science claims or wild conspiracy theories look as legit as the county tax office. "If it's all dressed up in official trimmings, it must be the real deal," is the implication they want to convey. My advice to minimize wasting time and money on things that may overpromise but underdeliver is to dig deeper and do your research. It usually doesn't take too deep of a dive or too long to see the difference between communities and groups that lack substance and others that do not.

Another sly trick is building up a huge herd of online followers through aggressive growth tactics like buying fake accounts, using bots or groups designed to only stirrup engagement, or taking advantage of algorithms on platforms like YouTube to get video recommendations and rack up views. Once they have a pretty big crowd it gets real easy to convince more folks to join up since most folks want to be part of the cool, in-crowd scene. My advice is to patiently wait and observe as much as you can, before investing time and money in these groups and their offerings. If you feel like folks are trying to sell haircuts to bald people, then distance and leave quietly.

Love bombin' is another nasty tactic some of these cults...er, groups use to suck fresh recruits in fast and get 'em hooked. They just lay it on thick with endless flattery, love-bombing, and promises of being part of something really special with secret knowledge or life purpose. They get folks so hungry for belonging that they're putty for further manipulation down the road. The trouble with this is you end up giving a lot of time, attention, and value to these groups, only to receive little or nothing in return. My best advice here is to observe these communities carefully by doing small favors and seeing what comes back to you to ensure they have a spirit of true reciprocity before you go "all in".

And then there are even more nefarious actors that deliberately spread misinformation and disinformation in an effort to confuse issues, erode trust, and push divisive "us vs them" narratives. They push their false narratives through an endless barrage of memes, provocative social media posts, and even whole armies of fake accounts. My best advice here is to run for the hills as fast and quietly as you can if you encounter this.

While the online groups and communities allows for unprecedented open dialogue and sharing of information, it has also opened the door for groups to exploit human psychology and lack of digital media literacy to mislead, misinform, and control narratives for their own gain. Healthy skepticism of online information sources is increasingly vital.

With that being said, please remember that no person, group, or community is perfect, and we should always give grace and understanding to others. The point here isn’t to judge, but to be more observant and discerning before going all in for folks that may not have the same pure and heart centered intentions that we do.

In the spirit of transparency, I write these articles to help professionals create or find the perfect communities for them and others like them. If you are looking to join a fun and awesome Pack full of high level, heart centered professionals, then click here and join us for our Discover the Hounds of Business Group Call.

We are also hosting an amazing LinkedIn Live Event with the one and only Bob Burg of the Go-Giver series, and his colleagues Jeff West and Kim Angeli on Wednesday May 8th at 2:30pm EDT.

This won’t be an infomercial disguised as a masterclass, so come prepared to take notes, ask questions and be ready to take your relationship sales & marketing game to the next level. Click here to attend this free LinkedIn Live Masterclass.