There are always risks that come along with having a public audience, such is the way with the internet. The internet is forever! You can’t take back what you say, and things published on the internet can spread like wildfire. Due to the nature of the platforms this bares an imminent risk, especially for trusted people in the eye of the public as everything they say has the potential to follow them around for ever. On the other end of the spectrum, this could be seen as a benefit as it can help build up a persons repertoire. 

The best way to address negative replies and any critiques are be understanding that not everyone has the same values and outlooks. If there is an instance when you are in the wrong, it is important to be humble and possess the ability to admit when you’re wrong. 

Many notable individuals use social media to empower the voices of those who don’t have the opportunity to reach as many people as they could. These notable individuals use their power wisely, by ensuring none of the information they’re putting out there is false, and by being kind and understanding.

Benefits that come with being in the public eye and having a PLN is that there is a source of reputable information you can fall back onto and use as an important resource when needed. You can build a PLN that you can rely on by ensuring that the sources you include are strong and reliable, who have a strong PLN of their own! In order to minimize the risk of sharing misinformation, it is crucial to fact check things before they are said, and to follow all these up with strong references.