If you communicate on social media, you’re likely to encounter a baited question or two—especially if you’re talking about anything controversial. So, how do you know if a question is trying to trick you into a trap? Asking yourself these four questions can help you spot the bait. 

Biased

Is the person asking the question biased?

People asking you questions on social media can be complete strangers. How you answer a question depends largely on whom you’re talking to, so get to know your questioners. If possible, find out if they have a history of asking baited questions. See if they have posted positively or negatively about your topic in the past. Knowing if you’re dealing with biased questioners is the first key to determining if they’re baiting a trap.

Accusatory

Does the question accuse you of something?

Most accusatory questions on social media will charge you with presenting false, inaccurate, manipulative, or biased information. They may accuse you of something in the form of a statement before even asking a question. Accusatory questions also tend to ask “Why?” But, not all questions that ask “Why?” are baited. As a rule of thumb, if the question makes you feel defensive, it’s likely an accusatory and baited question so beware.

Idealistic

Does the question assume you can provide a perfect answer?

If a question is asking for a black-and-white answer when the topic obviously has some gray areas, that’s a sign it could be a baited question. These questions often make assumptions or presumptions about the simplicity of your topic. And, they may seem like they’re asking for facts when they’re actually asking for an opinion. If you feel you’re not able to answer the question in the simplicity the questioner is asking for, it could be bait.

Tactical

Is the question trying to bring about a certain result?

If the question is trying to bring about any result other than obtaining an answer, then it’s likely bait. These questions will direct your answer toward one that serves the questioner’s agenda—and, that agenda is probably not the same as your agenda for communicating on social media. They may also limit you to a single yes-or-no answer in order to trap you. And, tactical and baited questions are likely to use controversial terms or rhetoric. If you feel like the questioner is trying to led you in a specific direction or corner you, don’t take the bait.

Baited questions can be biased, accusatory, idealistic, tactical, or any combination of the four. Before you answer any question that gives you pause, do your homework, consider the context, and trust your gut. And, don’t forget to be on the lookout for trolls and negative nellies.