Type of Negative Content
Definition
Examples
Mistakes
Content where you are at fault for a mistake, which may negatively impact your reputation, especially if widely shared.
- Posting a professional error on social media (e.g., incorrect information about a project).
- Apologizing for a mistake that goes viral, such as a misstatement in a public interview.
Misinformation
False or inaccurate information spread without malicious intent, but still potentially misleading.
- A news outlet falsely claims.
- An online directory has outdated or incorrect information about your products or services.
Defamatory Content
False or malicious statements that harm an individual’s or organization’s reputation (includes slander or libel).
- False claims on social media that a person at your business committed a crime.
- An article falsely accuses a business of fraud.
Discriminatory Content
Content that promotes harm, division, or prejudice, and often violates platform guidelines or legal regulations.
- An employee posting offensive jokes about race, gender, or religion on social media.
- Negative comments from a staff member gets shared publicly.
Illegal Content
Content that violates laws and can lead to criminal charges or legal consequences.
- A website shares copyrighted content without permission.
- Someone shares data about your business without consent.