Valley attorney: Professional integrity a must in posts about scandals

When we add our professional voices to the discussion, we have the chance to add genuine value. We can offer context, share lessons and highlight healthier ways forward.”

When images of two people allegedly having an affair quickly spread across social media after they were shown on a big screen at a Coldplay concert, it was a moment of pause and reflection for many of us who work with families — especially in divorce, family law and mediation.

Seeing the memes, videos and headlines made us ask why, as professionals dedicated to helping, would we take part in turning someone’s private pain into an opportunity for attention?

Some legal professionals and organizations reposted the images to join a trending topic or to spark conversation — not meaning to cause any harm. But when we share content that exposes someone’s personal life for attention, we risk exploiting people — people who are just like the clients we serve. We are harming the people pictured, their children and the trust we work so hard to build. Our work isn’t about chasing a viral moment for “likes” or comments; it’s about showing up with integrity and compassion.

Every choice we make online is an opportunity to strengthen trust with those we serve, to show that we value their privacy as much as their well-being. When we protect people’s dignity, we create a deeper connection, one built on respect and empathy.

Behind every image is a real person who carries real pain. When deciding whether to engage in viral content, ask yourself: Can I share something helpful without showing the image itself? Before reacting or condemning, pause and remember that our role is to support, not to judge. A thoughtful post might say: “While millions are talking about this moment, we’re reminded that relationship struggles are deeply personal — even when the world is watching.”

We can use these moments to shift the conversation away from blame, toward learning and supporting. Invite others to reflect and work on solutions together. This reflects the heart of “Separate the people from the problem,” a core principle from the Harvard Negotiation Project’s “Getting to Yes.”

We might say: “Moments like this raise important relationship questions about the line between what is public and private.”

When we add our professional voices to the discussion, we have the chance to add genuine value. We can offer context, share lessons and highlight healthier ways forward. Rather than speculating, we can guide, and help others see how similar challenges might be approached in the healthiest ways possible. For example: “We’re not here to guess what happened, but we are here to talk about how moments like this can be handled in the healthiest way when families are involved.”

If you make a social media misstep by posting something that doesn’t reflect your highest intentions, use it as a moment to model humility and growth. Share why you chose to post it and what it taught you. A sincere acknowledgment, without defensiveness, not only repairs trust; it can deepen it. We show that care is not just what we give to clients, but how we live our values every day.

Earning trust is ongoing. If you’ve committed to respecting privacy, create a short series of posts about it. If you’re focused on responding more intentionally, share ideas on mindfulness.

As professionals who walk beside people in their most vulnerable moments, our online actions can remind them that they are safe, respected and cared for — or not.

Every post about a public moment is a chance to show that our values — and the way we live them — matter more than attention, trends or reach. When we choose words and actions that protect and uplift, we not only honor those we serve — we inspire others to do the same.

Editor’s note: Michael Aurit, J.D., MDR is co-founder of Scottsdale-based Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.