Most juries will likely be ordinary people who use Facebook and Instagram, the broadest social media platforms. A few might have a TikTok account, and some may be on LinkedIn. They may know how to search for topics and connect with friends and local businesses. They might even know how to use hashtags.
Social Media isn’t a career for them, however, just a pastime. So, their understanding of the digital media could be improved. An attorney may have a few jurors with more knowledge. Possible influencers who blog and post. They enjoy making a little money by talking about products. They may be savvy around digital media use, too. That could be a good thing for the lawyer, but most lawsuits around social media involve going beyond boosting likes and monetization.
As an expert witness in social media, I’ve seen the distinctions between those who understand digital media to improve their accounts or posts and those who know the backend intricacies that can impact their “online popularity.” Let’s compare it to healthcare careers. There are physician’s assistants (aka P.A.’s), and there are surgeons. A P.A. may be good at checking a patient’s blood pressure and administering shots. They may even recognize the signs of heart disease. However, if the patient needs heart surgery, the physician’s assistant isn’t in the O.R. performing it. That would be detrimental to the patient! Such a delicate and important task is left to a highly skilled surgeon.
Similarly, a lawyer with a complex digital media case can’t rely on the average blogger to explain the detailed connections, rules, and history of various platforms. They need the experience and multi-layered knowledge of an authentic expert witness in social media.
There Are Lots of Great Free Tools to Learn About Social Media!
Anyone who is interested can build their digital media knowledge. Whether it’s to make sure they have great SEO on their website or learn how to manage a social media feed, they can find great tools. There are plenty of blog sites able to easily explain the digital world. This is my career, and teaching others how to use digital media is my “bread and butter.” Although this knowledge is helpful to an attorney, my background in forensic social media completes the picture. Attorneys needing an expert social media witness are searching for a next-level knowledge base.
My knowledge base is broader than just social media, of course. I teach and consult with businesses on the “pillars” of digital marketing – that is, SEO, Google Ads, and social media marketing. But I’ve also been in the back end of the social media world. I have historical knowledge how social media platforms have integrated and evolved over time. These connections are essential to cases like defamation, trademark disputes, links investigations, and intellectual property. You can even call me an “digital marketing surgeon!” because I can cut away at the complicated web of digital connections. Then, as an expert witness, I can take the facts and explain these complex and arcane topics to the jury like a 6th grade schoolteacher, without talking down to them. And that’s important too, because some jurors may be experts in their own fields. There are all kind of areas of expertise, I may be adept at digital marketing but don’t ask me to explain how to rebuild a car motor! Lawyers searching for an expert witness with a deep knowledge of digital media can contact me to discuss their case at Tel. 415-655-1071.
