Firefighters often remember what they saw online more clearly than what the data actually shows. Fear becomes visually reinforced, while statistical reality fades into abstraction.
Tag Archives: Social Media
If We’re Going to Talk About Risk, Let’s Talk About the Data
This isn’t about minimizing loss.
It’s about understanding risk accurately, so decisions are based on reality, not reaction.
The ‘Taylor Swift Effect’ and Fire Service Personalities on Social Media
Just as Swift can mobilize millions with a single post, fire service personalities on social media are shaping firefighter culture, training and identity. Or, at least they think they are.
How Emotional Anchoring Shapes Online Risk Perception and Fireground Decisions
Social media amplifies emotional anchoring: dramatic images paired with comments like “This should never happen again” or “Ban that tactic” create an emotional echo chamber. Over time, this can shift culture, training, and even SOPs—driven more by emotional memory than evidence.
Data Not Drama 