Lost in Translation – Why Digital Stories Need Context

Online, tone doesn’t always translate, and emotion often gets replaced by assumption. The same thing happens in journalism and social media. One image, one caption, or one headline can completely shift how a story is interpreted.

I’ve seen it in broadcasting and media work too, how the framing of a story or even the music behind it can change the entire emotional reaction of an audience. The meaning behind a message isn’t just in what’s said; it’s in how it’s said, and how it’s received.

That’s why I’ve learned that being intentional with communication, especially in digital spaces, is more important than ever. Every message, visual, or story needs context. Every creator or storyteller has to think about the audience on the other end of the screen and how their words might be understood differently than they intended.

We’re living in an age of instant communication, but that speed often comes at the cost of clarity. So whether it’s a text to a friend, a social media post, or a story shared online, it’s worth taking an extra moment to ask: “Will this land the way I mean it to?”

Because sometimes, one small misunderstanding can change everything.