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Original poster

Do you find mumsnetters who do this to be creepy?

53 replies

Moutne · 12/11/2025 22:33

So a couple of weeks ago I started a thread asking for people’s opinions. I got told it wasn’t very helpful to not know specifics so I showed a very generic picture and tried to hide identifying details. But lo and behold a couple of the posters reverse searched the image. Got the name of the village and had themselves a nice little discussion going into a lot of detail. I just found it incredibly invasive. There was no need to know the extreme specifics. The image gave a good indication. I was clearly trying to not be too specific.

I mean being curious and searching yourself is one thing but to then come back and comment for all to see seems intentionally provocative. Almost like a power play.

It’s not cool imo. I’ve seen it happen on a number of threads tbh. People have no boundaries sometimes.

OP posts:
Mummyratbag · 13/11/2025 08:12

That's awful OP. There are some very strange people around.

Also agree with those who try to catch people out - I presume sometimes people change a few details to be less outing and then the armchair detectives go looking for their "gotcha".

Also bad:
Those who give someone having a dreadful time a good kicking (the "and you had children with this man?" types).

Those who go down the "well you obviously hate her" when the person has a very good reason to dislike the absolute arsehole.

Those who can read a heartbreaking post and correct the grammar.

If you doubt a story report it to MN. I'm all for people pointing out that someone needs to look at another angle, that perhaps the poster is being unreasonable but sometimes people are just here for the pile on.. a risk we all take I guess.

TheaBrandt1 · 13/11/2025 07:04

That’s even worse! Why on earth would you research what an anonymous random has said on different threads? Staking but without knowing your victim! Anyone doing that needs to take a look at themselves.

slashlover · 13/11/2025 04:45

TheaBrandt1 · 13/11/2025 00:25

Weird and creepy. I also find it weird and creepy when people actually remember what you say on other threads!! Who has the headspace for that!? Freaky weirdos that’s who.

Nobody remembers, they use the Advanced Search function.

Highlighta · 13/11/2025 04:35

People like to prove they are the best detective and post their findings so that other posters can rave about how clever they are.

It's the same when posters go and deep dive the OP's previous threads, and try to catch them out for being a troll. Then there is a big announcement they they 'should be under a bridge' and all the other posters can give them a round of applause for being so smart.

It's all for likes and look how smart I am.

So tiring.

pincklop · 13/11/2025 04:25

On local Facebook groups people get horrible comments for being anonymous (mainly because they’re just trolls) however you can’t underestimate how people actually are, it’s not worth being identified. People are so unpredictable and you need to keep safe but also have an opinion.

Halfwaytheree · 13/11/2025 04:24

I do think there’s a bunch of weirdos on this forum, people who are clearly mentally unwell trying to rile others up and basically use this forum as a playground. I would just say to ignore & never engage.

ChikinLikin · 13/11/2025 03:58

Who knew there were creepy people on online forums?
Seriously, I think some women think Mumsnet is a safe place, but how can it be?

Catladywithoutacat · 13/11/2025 03:43

Yes creepy and do much time

Original poster
Moutne · 13/11/2025 00:30

Yup also experienced having a past comment of mine shared in an attempt to discredit. They said something like “how’s x going to work with a dog…”

My dog was put to sleep a few months prior. Awful!

OP posts:
TheaBrandt1 · 13/11/2025 00:26

You half expect to look out over your dark garden and see them pop up behind a hedge.

Chillyourbeansweeman · 13/11/2025 00:25

Tryingatleast · 12/11/2025 23:54

I always hate when a poster says something and a reply comes ‘but you said on threads from years ago that you …’ It just seems ott to go do your research on a poster!!

I agree this is very creepy.

TheaBrandt1 · 13/11/2025 00:25

Weird and creepy. I also find it weird and creepy when people actually remember what you say on other threads!! Who has the headspace for that!? Freaky weirdos that’s who.

Mumtobabyhavoc · 13/11/2025 00:22

Yep, weird. Don't ever engage with people here who do things like that and post about other threads you've started or posted on. Those people are just looking to manipulate emotions and draw people into revealing things they don't want. It's bullying. It's better to ignore and report them if they become insistent.

Tryingatleast · 12/11/2025 23:54

I always hate when a poster says something and a reply comes ‘but you said on threads from years ago that you …’ It just seems ott to go do your research on a poster!!

Crikeyalmighty · 12/11/2025 23:52

Cheepcheepcheep · 12/11/2025 23:30

That said, your post reminded me of this pandemic tweet which always makes me smile

That really made me laugh!!

nomas · 12/11/2025 23:50

I did raise my eyebrows a bit, but if you didn't say it's private then I can see why people investigate.

Look at The Salt Path threads, the speed with which MNers had found out details about that couple was phenomenal, including property records and details of unpaid property taxes in France, as well as their adult dc's names and careers (although they very responsibly did not post those of course).

Freewifix · 12/11/2025 23:45

I`d never post anything online.

SparklyCardigan · 12/11/2025 23:32

To be honest, this is the kind of thing I do. Not to be mean, but because I like seeing if I can find things out based on not much info - like a detective! However, I would NEVER post on the thread to say I had done it or reveal any further information such as an exact location.
Don't put personal stuff on the internet if it bothers you that much.

Butchyrestingface · 12/11/2025 23:31

Not creepy exactly but what you described I would say was poor form by said posters.

Cheepcheepcheep · 12/11/2025 23:30

That said, your post reminded me of this pandemic tweet which always makes me smile

Do you find mumsnetters who do this to be creepy?
Original poster
Moutne · 12/11/2025 23:29

TodaRythm · 12/11/2025 23:26

You may want to look into this from a legal standpoint, as you may have grounds to sue them for invasion of privacy. It all depends in what way that information was used.

It wasn’t that serious just extremely creepy. But most of all totally unnecessary. It felt like they did it just for the sake of getting off on the power trip. Weirdos. Not like it added to the discussion or anything.

OP posts:
Cheepcheepcheep · 12/11/2025 23:28

I guess it’s what my generation knew as Doxxing?

Theres a weird trend for this stuff, everyone considers themselves a detective. Just look at the obsessions with true crime, etc…

I get it to an extent - I think we are falling into a world where online seems more real than real life and I was an early AIM user and an awkward teen who felt online life was easier than real life. But I grew up, and I’m not sure a lot of people who do this have.

TodaRythm · 12/11/2025 23:26

You may want to look into this from a legal standpoint, as you may have grounds to sue them for invasion of privacy. It all depends in what way that information was used.

Original poster
Moutne · 12/11/2025 23:26

Lavender14 · 12/11/2025 23:17

I agree with you, but equally I think it's a lesson learnt that if you put things into an online forum like this then you need to be prepared for some people to go too far with it and this is one example of it.

100%. I contemplated the idea that someone might reverse Google search but thought “nah, why would they?”. Luckily nothing too private was revealed but it just seemed so odd and unnecessary

OP posts:
Lavender14 · 12/11/2025 23:17

I agree with you, but equally I think it's a lesson learnt that if you put things into an online forum like this then you need to be prepared for some people to go too far with it and this is one example of it.

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