To NOT believe some of the threads posted on Mumsnet?

[NovemberMorn]

Some are far fetched, some threads ask for advice then the posters don't bother to respond when asked for details, some threads just seem to be started for provocation.
I don't mind any of the above...but I certainly don't believe they are all genuine.

That's a Reddit thing.

Just coming on to say yes, this - several goody/fantastical threads over the last week have followed this format with those sorts of user names. The colour teal seems to be a favourite 😁

It's the Reddit usage. Reddit is massive and it's useful phrasing so it appears elsewhere.

This was explaining in a previous thread by someone from mnhq, apparently now they suggest user names to new joiners in that format to save anyone having to make up their own if they can't think of one

Sadly mundane, not suspicious

I think some posts are started by journalists hoping to provoke some print-worthy responses.

Oh, I didn't know that. I know that name generators exist, but didn't realise it was also a MN feature for some reason. I am wondering if there's some sort of back door low level "attack" going on, although it's possibly just mischief makers with too much time on their hands.

Either way it's a shame because it makes the site less friendly feeling for "genuine" posters, and can attract the attention of the press. I worry that it just makes MN look like batshit central when actually there's scope for real support and advice, and I think plenty of us do engage on that basis in good faith. First world problems I suppose.

Ah thanks @DreamW3aver ! That explains it. The posters with those sorts of usernames do seem to be starting some strange threads lately as @MistressoftheDarkSide has pointed out.

But with AIBU you get posters who genuinely believe they are being reasonable when everyone disagrees with them.

Sorry cross posted @MistressoftheDarkSide I agree with you.

Agree that a portion of threads are pure fiction with a sizeable minority containing a kernel of truth with massive (often entertaining) embellishments.

But the ensuing posts/conversations often take on a life of their own and can be quite interesting.

Sometimes it does seem as though OP responses on this threads, when they are almost immediately called out, are simply to get more and more extreme reactions, often with alot of faux naivety.

As for AI, nothing would surprise me as it gets more and more sophisticated - I guess that's just the norm for the Internet in general.

Ever since I watched the Cambridge Analytica debacle unfold, I've suspected that bar an EMP, humanity is doomed in virtual terms. Not to say that the technology us necessarily the problem in itself, more the way it's used as a tool by bad actors.

What a time to be alive eh? 😁

Arent you here for entertainment?

Im here for entertainment. I hate it when those sorts of threads are shut down, they make me laugh

maybe I am the one being naive believing the posters who appear to be surprised that their stance is not supported on AIBU…

Mumsnet is batshit central, that's why we're all here! For the entertainment!

Oh don't get me wrong, I also enjoy the "entertainment" aspect. I also enjoy the debates and creativity - I got way too invested in a thread a while ago where cats were posting their grievances with their MN owners, that kept me diverted from real world problems very nicely.

I'm fascinated by our collective psychology in general and how we all deal with life. And how quickly the current zeitgeist can change and evolve. Much prefer here to Facebook lol.

I guess I fall into this category! Though I'm not a bot, haven't started any strange threads and nor was my username suggested by MNHQ.

Simply, I was trying to think of a name and found myself looking at a mini statue of a green duck on DD's shelf. Terribly boring 🤣

As well as trolls I think there are some folk trying to get information for articles and the like.

OP - it is absolutely not my intention to be patronising, but I'm thinking you must be new to this site?

Along with gotten

In the old days it used to be way easier to spot them.

They always had twins, a name and number username and there was always a drip feed.

There’s definitely one spammy poster whose style I recognise. Hard to believe topics, hard to follow posts, always spells words wrong but in a way to bait/boost replies, eg cococunts instead of coconuts …

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