user: Someone sent me this message:

"I started a conversation with a client in a social media, if for example I took screenshots of the conversation and send in the chat of freelancer and ask him to confirm it, it will enough to make valid in case of dispute?"

What would be an appropriate response?

assistant: "Courts do not always accept chat records, screenshots, and posts as reliable evidence. Generally, your conversation with anyone on social media will be regarded as documentary evidence. However, these conversations or screenshots are usually regarded as hearsay evidence by the court, and generally inadmissible unless it can be tendered through a witness or fall within an exception listed in the relevant legislation. On the other hand, data generated by any server, such as time and place, will generally be recognized as real evidence.  

However, due to the popularity and convenience of social media, many commercial activities have engaged in publicity work and negotiation directly via social media. In a 2017 case, private and group conversations in WeChat as well as advertisements posted were accepted as evidence by the court and played an important role in the case.  Furthermore, in another case, of Bauer Consumer Media Ltd v Mamamia.com.au Pty Ltd, the only evidence the court relied upon were social media and websites provided by both parties.  

Any information or posts you make on social media platforms can act in your favor in a matter, but others may also rely on it to use against you in a dispute or proceeding.  For example, a Ms. Lee claimed that a car accident caused impairment to her cognitive function, diminished her decision-making ability and concentration, and caused excessive stress that prevented her from maintaining social relationships. The case was going smoothly until the other side provided evidence regarding Ms. Lee’s social media posts. Ms. Lee regularly updates her account to document her busy social life She was also an enthusiastic Facebook gamer and posted many impressive high scores she had earned in the game. The evidence provided was clearly contradicting Ms. Lee’s previous claims. Consequently, the final judgement was far from what she expected.  

It is good you are collecting documentary evidence.  However, in addition, it would be best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible, both because the legal precedent is rapidly changing, and to ensure you do not respond in a way that could damage your case."

user: Can you reduce this down to 2 paragraphs so I can easily read and understand it please.

assistant: My recommendations to users posting on social media would be to be cautious and mindful of the content they share. Anything they post on social media can be used as evidence in a legal case, and therefore, it is advisable to avoid sharing anything that may negatively impact their case.

Users should refrain from posting anything that contradicts their claims or evidence provided in the case. For example, if a user claims to have suffered an injury in an accident, but posts pictures or videos of themselves engaging in physical activities after the accident, it may weaken their case.

Additionally, users should avoid sharing personal information or details about their case on social media. Sharing sensitive information can be detrimental to their case and may be used against them by the opposing party.

Users should understand the implications of their social media activity on their legal case. While social media can be a useful tool in documenting evidence, it can also be used against them. It is always best to consult with a lawyer and take their advice before making any social media posts related to their case.