It’s definitely a tricky issue, and one that I felt was important to discuss after seeing the type of posts that sometimes end up on Facebook/reddit in particular.
I do agree that experienced keepers absolutely need to set a good example on everything from proper and safe handling to good husbandry. People, especially new keepers, are looking up to them for advice. I can’t even tell you how many times someone has backed up their suspect husbandry practices with (but so and so said this was the best way to do it). How we respond to it is more difficult, because sometimes these videos (such as the example of free handling venomous snakes) do come from big names that have a big following in there reptile world. Speaking out against outdated or harmful practices is important, but I understand also not wanting to burn bridges.
Personally, I won’t support or buy snakes from people if I don’t support their practices. While I’m just one small keeper and my buying practices won’t have much of an effect, if enough people feel the same way, it eventually will. If someone is willing to showcase suspect animal husbandry online, it makes me wonder what they aren’t showing. Sometimes even an innocuous post can be a good indicator of husbandry practices. For example I tend to see this more on Facebook/Reddit and occasionally here, but sometimes people will post a picture of a brand new snake they just bought right next to an older snake from their collection and a caption like “future pairing”. Cool - now you’ve just shared with the world that you aren’t following careful quarantine procedures. No thank you
The issue of new keepers potentially posting pictures and videos of bad husbandry/unhealthy animals/health problems is more challenging in my mind because we want to provide an open and non judgmental place where people can learn and improve, but also still be aware that sometimes sharing that content can be dangerous. Once you post something on the internet, it’s out there. Even if someone has the best of intentions, that image can still easily be taken and used as ammunition against reptile ownership. I had to explain to someone the other day why they would not be allowed to post a picture of their ball python on top of their dog the other day. It’s not cute, it’s a terrible idea that could end very badly.
I saw this a few weeks ago and thought it was the perfect example of how social media can lead to harmful practices if someone doesn’t know better. https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/lxuiub/aita_for_not_allowing_my_sister_near_my_bearded/
