The message startled us when it popped up on the website for The Alabama Baptist, but it didn’t upset us — though it could have.
After all, the phrase “critical error on this website,” along with an adapted look to the homepage, can be a bit unsettling when the ones of us initially troubleshooting it have limited knowledge in building and maintaining websites.
Not to worry, however. Our digital services manager James Hammack knew exactly what to do, and his simple fix made the “critical error” message seem a bit exaggerated. We joked about how our website has a flair for the dramatic and must have been feeling ignored.
You may experience the same thing from time to time when a text or email message appears on your device with a frantic alert of some kind.
They come in all forms, even as computer-generated phone calls — “your account has been hacked,” “your service is about to be cut off,” “your package could not be delivered,” something about “your student loan” and the all-time favorite “your car warranty has expired.”
And like us, I’m sure you’ve adapted to realizing those messages are merely attempts to bait you into clicking on a link or respond in some way that has nothing to do with what it says.
An urgent message striking fear that something bad is going to happen if we don’t respond immediately had its day, but we are on to them now.
Like what our staff did with the “critical error” message, the best way to respond is to think logically through the situation.
Many businesses and services do communicate through automated phone messages, email and texting, but they let you know that plan in advance.
And if you aren’t sure, legitimate businesses and services always have an option for calling or accessing the information through their official website.
The key is to initiate the call or type in the web address yourself, however. Avoid clicking on a number or link in a message you receive if you have any concern at all about why you are receiving the information.
If you have clicked on a questionable link and aren’t sure what to do, then contact a trusted friend or family member to help you check on your personal information.
Sometimes an implied sense of urgency pushes us to do things we regret. But when making decisions, it always helps to remember that legitimate business transactions won’t make us feel pressured.
In all aspects of life, slowing down to understand the full context of any situation typically protects us from unnecessary drama and missteps.
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