What is it about MN that people like ?

[wonderingaboutstufftoday]

I joined recently and I'm finding it quite addictive. I like to analyse things and understand the ins and outs of why we do what we do. I'm also wondering if MN is healthy generally.

Why do you like it and what do you get out of it ? Do you follow the advice people give you, if you have asked for advice ? Do you think it makes you think of people differently ? Does MN have a ' Voice ' ? I see a lot of themes and opinions repeated. Does it make you think of people differently offline ?

This isn't supposed to be a confrontational post by the way, these are just questions I've been asking myself and wondered what others think ?

I have a love hate relationship with MN. It’s quite addictive. Some of the threads are fascinating, I have learnt loads but I also find some threads and posters toxic and can sometimes leave a bad taste in my mouth. I should know by now which threads to avoid as I know they are the issues that attract all that is negative about MN but it’s like rubbernecking at a car crash, I can’t help myself even though I know I’ll regret it later 😂

Some of the posters are kind, insightful, sharp, witty and clever, and that’s the ‘love’ part of how I feel about MN

I think I'm on it for similar reasons to you OP. I really value hearing different opinions and perspectives, it broadens and deepens my understanding of other people.

I also think it offers great opportunities for building conversations on important issues...I like the discussion and debate side of things, the challenges to thought processes. I think it's kind of like the 'wisdom of crowds' ...the potential to get the best way forward by listening to multiple voices.

And the person on the street perspective...a lot of the time aside from our close friends etc we are fed viewpoints by media in a way, but that's very narrow and these forums offer opportunities to hear what thousands of individuals really think.

You can tap into knowledge you don't have very quickly by posting questions.

Finally some of the posts are just very very funny and reading threads can be very entertaining.

It's not without issues obviously and you often need a thick skin, but you can filter out some posts and find value in the rest.

Hi OP. I have only recently started using mn. I don't have fb/social media, but I do like this. I think it's because you can dip in and out anonymously, without pressure. The threads I have read, mostly the people are kind, funny and helpful. But I just saw one in active where the op got jumped on horribly so I know it happens - I think you have to choose your threads wisely if you are vulnerable. If people want advice, then it's important to put the full truth to get a fair opinion - and be prepared to hear it 😄. But I do like to read the classics, some of them are so funny, and definitely addictive.

Love MN it's entertaining and you get some funny and insightful posters but I do think there can be a bit of a negative side to it at times. It is a bit addictive, you get people freaking each other out about how we are all doomed or putting impossibly high standards out there that might bother someone who is a bit anxious and don't forget the trolls. On the other hand someone may well turn up with a much needed grip and save the day. So overall it's cool, but take everything you read with a touch of cynicism and don't get sucked into any craziness.

I think there is some great relationships and health advice. Also some very good parenting tips. And it’s sometimes funny too.

I like the relatively intelligent debate. My friends often don’t particularly want to discuss the details of climate change or feminist issues or even gone mend policies on covid

Whatever you are into, there is intelligent debate and I’m often left feeling better informed.

I reckon MNetters are often an intense bunch!

There are also some incredibly kind threads relating to people struggling or some fascinating ones (love the wooo threads)

Book chat - the 50 bookers thread has been my favourite place on the internet this year.

I have a love/hate relationship with it. I ended up here by accident. I'm not a mum. I'm a primary school teacher and when we were looking for a new reading scheme at work, I googled "reading schemes" and a mumsnet thread came up. I've dipped in and out ever since. Sometimes, I read stuff about teachers that makes me fume but then sometimes I read kind posts about us from supportive parents that really cheer me up. During the covid crisis, I have read threads that have massively multiplied my anxiety and really haven't helped me!! But, on the other hand, some threads are such good fun and have really cheered me up in difficult times. I also love seeing people support others with personal problems. It seems to be such a source of strength and support for people going through really hard times.

I've also had some great film, TV and book recommendations from mumsnet.

Clever women. There are loads here.

**OYBBK's weather reports.
EugenesAxe, what is this, please?

It's like take a break online

It's like take a break online
I mean can't we be something a little classier than take a break 😂

I like that it is anonymous. Also I'm an introvert, so it feels like I'm having a conversation without the added pressure of having to contribute.

The range of knowledge. If you post on any subject under the sun, someone will come along who knows a lot in that field and is willing to share. I love that.

It's great for practical advice and tips too - particularly for reluctant shoppers/browsers like me.

I'm also wondering if MN is healthy generally.

For me it's a mixture. It has been very helpful in some ways and at some points in my life- for advice on parenting it's brilliant. You get a mixture of viewpoints but some very solid advice. In terms of screen time and addiction, not healthy for me at all! I spend far too much time on here, if I'm honest.

Bold fail- sorry!

The variety of people. I've been on here for ages - I think about 15 years, maybe - and it's not as funny as it used to be but then neither is it as cliquey.

The stance of the majority on here in trans rights etc is the polar opposite to how I feel. I found that difficult for a while but now I just stay away from those threads - I'm not going to change their minds just as they won't change mine so I think live and let live. Just because we have different opinions on that doesn't mean we won't be able to help each other on parenting questions or debate something else.

I like the variety of topics, the interesting opinions, the viewpoints and insights into others lives and thoughts.

I do think that the size and scope of Mumsnet means there are a fair few bots around. Brexit and Covid threads seem particularly vulnerable to that. But that's the same on Twitter etc so just being aware of that helps.

In a previous life Mumsnet helped me with fertility issues. It was nice to know I wasn't alone.

Though I've always been a feminist, I've had my eyes opened on some issues since being here too.

Of course some of the ludicrous threads are funny too: AIBU to wonder how on earth we can afford a child on a 6 figure salary? DH says we will manage and budget accordingly but how on earth can Tarquin the 2nd have good prospects if Mummy has to have bread from the bakers down the road instead of employing an artisan baker to bake loaves that perfectly match the day's food. Even if we did manage to fund his private school, he'd be a social outcast if we only went skiing once a year and not several times throughout the season.

because it's preferable to the news!

Some great advice and you’ll get informed answers to pretty much any question (along with some stupid ones too, but I just ignore the keyboard warrior types)

I just find other people and their lives fascinating so it’s all interesting to me.

Escapism.
I don't believe quite a bit of what I read and some views amuse me.
I think it can be unhealthy if you take it too seriously and don't know when to step away.
There are some nice people and some bitches. I've been here about 12 years and I agree it is less cliquey but some people can be really nasty especially in aibu.
I think take it with a large pinch of salt and step away from the loons and its ok.

It gets me out of my echo chamber and listen to a really wide range of opinion from people from all backgrounds.

Generally people are supportive to those who need help.

Information on lots of things. Suggestions.

I’m very lonely. I have no friends and nobody ever texts me. It’s valuable for me to be able to “talk” to people, to express my thoughts and worries and have someone reply. Even if it’s a stranger.

I have received a lot of help and support. I had a quite serious issue going on (name changed) and really needed the advice and reassurance from other people. There was no way I could explain everything to friends in RL. That would have had too many repercussions. I needed it to be private (although the Daily Mail got a hold of the story so that messed things up a little).

MN can be very funny sometimes too.

I think of it a little like "social media lite". There's no likes or followers or any of the things I don't like about Facebook/Twitter/Instagram but it's a good way to share ideas and have a bit of an insight into other people's lives and you'll get (usually) a far more intelligent debate on here.

I'll admit when I first joined, I was quite scornful. I'm not sure if it's just that, when I joined, there was an influx of "Is 300k enough for a family of 4" threads or if it's just sort of grown on me.