People remember who gave accurate information when inaccurate information was more exciting.

During any rush of information, the exciting version travels faster than the accurate one. People who hold the line and say the duller true thing are ignored at the time and remembered afterward, once the excitement has resolved and the record is visible. That memory is worth more than the attention they missed. It is one of the few reliable ways to earn standing.

When a story is running hot, resist adding to it unless you know. Be willing to be the boring voice. The value of that shows up later, when people are deciding whose account to trust.