Something about SG’s latest Instagram appeal is odd. This is not designed as a criticism of her personally, but from a purely practical, “what would be the most effective appeal?” perspective.
If the goal is to generate new information, I’m not convinced Instagram is the strongest channel:
1. Her audience likely skews toward major urban areas and national media markets (e.g. New York, California), rather than the specific local area where relevant sightings or information are most likely to come from.
2. There is risk with a mass-audience appeal that it produces a large volume of speculative responses, thereby diluting useful tips and make triage harder for law enforcement.
3. The appeal does not seem to be directed at specific groups who are statistically more likely to have seen something. For example local residents, drivers, delivery workers, neighbours, or people travelling through the immediate area at relevant times.
4. Instagram’s algorithm prioritises engagement. So posts end up circulating more widely based on likes and shares but not necessarily geographic relevance.
5. It seems well intentioned but kind of pointless in a way - as has been pointed out, we haven't even been told what NG was wearing on the day she was abducted and SG hasn't elaborated - so how is anyone meant to spot her without basic details?
Would a more effective approach be to do outreach through regional news outlets, if this is a genuine appeal for information?
I'm not trying to suggest there is some strategy happening with this post, or that the appeal is fake. It just strikes me as not particularly effective and to be honest - a bit bizarre - a nationwide anchor asking millions of followers if they saw something strange to report it?
Just my personal observation, trying to look at this logically rather than emotionally.
