Is Mumsnet a net negative or positive in your life?

[Neteffect]

NC but I am a regular poster and I'm NOT dissing mumsnet at all.

I've had amazing advice on parenting issues and love Style & Beauty which is also a v friendly section. I was also 'peaked' by the sex and gender discussions.

But sometimes I feel dragged down by the relentless negative threads and the arguments, particularly on things like BF vs FF, child obesity, poverty and the attitude of 'race to the bottom etc.

I cant actually decide if, on a daily basis, mumsnet has a negative or positive effect on my life and mood! Tell me how you all feel please!

Positive. As an American, I've found it a fascinating window into British culture and society, and it's nice to have a non-US perspective on the news and world events.

Some of the worst are when a negative poster plops into a thread to present a very unreasonable opinion, is told so, and then replies to other posters saying "Careful! If you offer an opinion the meanies of AIBU will get the pitchforks out!" and I do just want to metaphorically smack them.

Positive and funny but then I don't take it that seriously especially aibu

I didn't know this was a thing... That will help. Thanks

Sometimes I find mumsnet really, really helpful. There are some excellent and knowledgeable posters who generously share their expertise.

Mostly, though, I find it very entertaining.

@MissConductUS oh gosh! What do you think of the UK based on mumsnet 😂

Overall - positive. I have been here quite a while and had a lot of advice at different stages of my life - I first joined for advice around bed wetting when DS was around 6 - he's now 21. Have found non-parenting advice helpful when I got a puppy and the elderly parents thread . Have also got quite friendly with a couple of posters.

However - I waste far too much time trawling through arguments on threads that don't even interest me . I realise that is my lack of self discipline though.

Piqued?

I agree with you op, there's some horrible behaviour on here sometimes and really helpful advice and encouragement other times

really a net negative impact
for the blanket gross oversimplification of everything on here
and the lack of thread policing
but when you're resting at home you start scrolling.....

For me, very positive. I’ve learned loads and feel I’ve done some good sometimes by giving advice.

I used to be a bit scared of other women tbh, especially opinionated people. I think it’s shown me that a lot of people are argumentative for the sake of it so if it happens in real life it’s water off a ducks back now. I think “ah, there’s always one!” like I do on here. It used to be very intimidating for me.

It keeps me a positivity boost about being a single mother. It could be worse, I could be married to one of the awful mumsnet DHs.

I find it fascinating. And really really helpful. And informative. Negative only a tiny tiny % ever. I find out the latest news, things that have happened it major court cases. The nice group I'm in guided me calmly through getting ds1 into uni. What's not to like?

I take it as light entertainment. Sometimes I find it interesting and I learn new things or new perspectives. It gives me some insight into lives of people that are very different from my own. But I am not invested in it emotionally in any way.

@mumoffourminimes - not piqued, no. As in 'peak trans'. Its a thing.

Ooh I didn't know this was a thing. I was a bit confused by it 🤣

I've always been a bit of an anglophile, and my husband lived in London for a time before we met. He loved his time there and has loads of stories about how lovely the Brits were to him. People have been very welcoming to me here.

MN has mostly confirmed my positive views of the UK. We're very similar in many ways, with the same concerns about kids, work, relationships, etc. Parking seems much easier here. 😁

The only thing that threw me a bit was the glee with which so many people jump on the "let's rubbish the US" threads, whether it's about the food here, the educational system, American houses, etc. I can't imagine such a thread about the UK on a predominantly American social media site.

I read it when I'm bored. Definitely more since WFH and then becoming single.

I often ponder that question but can never decide.

This website is the only positive driver for women’s emancipation and prosperity on the entirety of the internet. I can’t thank the tireless effort of everybody involved with keeping this place up and running enough, thank you all so much!

Its neither positive nor negative. And i quite like the discussions with different opinions.

I enjoy it and have learned a lot. I don’t linger on the unpleasant or combative threads unless they’re in some way entertaining. I do waste too much time here tho.

Neither really, other than a time suck.

It’s easy enough to avoid dodgy threads though, or entertain yourself by pointing out the people being pillocks, should you wish to.

Having met IRL a troll from here I take most of the more outlandish relationship ones with a huge pinch of salt.

Its a entertainment, if it controls your mood jus signed it off

I am so sorry you have come across threads like that op. I think British people gain a very strange and extreme impression of the USA through the television!

I love the States and visit fairly often, and when I have visited I have always found real life Americans to be some of the most polite , welcoming, kind and good humoured people you could meet. I also have become friends with quite a few American visitors to Europe and we always keep up contact long after they have gone back home, so I have found them to be very good at friendship too!