I should also mention that if they're unsure about the source of the link, it's best not to engage with it at all. Trust is key here. Even if they check the link, if it's pointing to an unfamiliar or potentially harmful site, they should avoid it.
Wait, the user might be asking for help because they were sent this link and aren't sure if it's safe. So the guide should address both the technical steps to check the link and the general advice on dealing with short links.
Another point: sometimes the same shortened link might be used for different purposes by different people. So the destination can vary depending on who controls the bit.ly account. That means even if the link was safe before, it could be changed later to point to something harmful.
I can't actually visit the link to check the destination because that would be a security risk. But I can explain to the user how to check the destination safely themselves. Maybe mention using an online expander tool like "Unshorten.it" or checking the link's metadata with a service like Bitly's own preview feature.
I need to highlight that the responsibility is on them to check, but caution is always necessary. Provide a balanced view between checking and staying safe.
Let me put this all together in a clear, step-by-step manner without using markdown. Use headings in plain text, then list the steps or points under each section.