I understand why some may find this surprising. At first, it can be hard to imagine the organization using Instagram or TikTok, especially because many of us personally do not view social media as a good use of time.
But we should remember a few things:
• Anything the organization officially launches or announces would need to be approved by the Governing Body. Nobody can just impromptu create an official account and represent the organization.
• JW Pressroom is not a random social media page. There is a dedicated social media team under the Office of Public Information of Jehovah’s Witnesses that manages the account.
• The purpose of JW Pressroom is mainly to provide factual information about Jehovah’s Witnesses for government officials, journalists, academics, and members of the public.
• It is not primarily designed for publishers. However, many publishers will naturally follow the account because that is how social media works, and that support can help the JW Pressroom pilot program succeed.
• This is currently a pilot program, similar to how JW Broadcasting started as something new in 2014 and later became a major tool for the organization.
• The media landscape has changed a lot. Many people today do not first go to an official website when they want news or information. They often see news first on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, or other social media platforms. News website use has declined while social media and video platforms continue to grow as places where people discover information.
• Because of that, opposers and malicious people can spread fake news and misinformation very quickly. On social media, one misleading video, fake news, or edited clip can spread like wildfire before many people ever check the facts. That can greatly damage the reputation of the organization, especially when people who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses do not know where to find accurate information.
• So if the organization only stayed on a website and did not act on social media, many people would only see what opposers are saying. Providing real and factual information directly on social media helps circumvent that. It gives government officials, journalists, academics, and the public a direct source of accurate information where many of them are already looking.
• The organization understands that fake news can be damaging if it is not addressed. JW Pressroom on social media can help provide factual information and counter misinformation.
• JW Pressroom is not meant to directly spread the good news. That still remains through the house-to-house ministry, public witnessing, and other forms of preaching.
• If you are still hesitant or unsure whether JW Pressroom is real, you can call the branch office directly and ask. You can also ask to be directed to the Office of Public Information and ask them questions, since that is part of the role of OPI.
Here is the contact info for the United States Office of Public Information: https://www.jw.org/finder?docid=1027182