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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think not all 'Troll' threads should be deleted

4 replies

IncaDove · 31/01/2025 14:06

Threads are often started on Mumsnet by individuals who many, including myself at times, suspect to be trolls, and they're usually deleted.

However, what concerns me is how we can differentiate between someone trolling for fun and someone posting erratically due to a mental health crisis. In the latter case, if there is a possibility that someone is unwell, should those posts be deleted, or should the person be allowed to continue posting if they need support or even just companionship?

As someone who suffers with Bipolar Disorder, I find some responses particularly upsetting. I’ve never posted on Mumsnet when I’ve been unwell, but there have been times when I’ve been extremely ill, with my perception of reality becoming skewed. I've experienced auditory and visual hallucinations, along with paranoia to the point where I believed some family members were trying to harm me. I can recognise some of these symptoms in some OP's who are labelled as 'trolls'.

As a society, we have become more understanding and less judgemental about mental health disorders, and people on MN often receive fantastic support, but that is sometimes not the case. At times, I'm uncomfortable with how some OPs, who seem to be unwell rather than trolling for fun, are met with mocking responses.

OP posts:
Futurename · 31/01/2025 22:10

Yes they should be deleted. For everyone's sake, including unwell OPS.

AlbertCamusflage · 31/01/2025 22:18

I don't think 'trolling' is well defined really, is it? And it isn't one of the categories you can click on when reporting a thread or a post. So if MN deleted a thread started by someone who was unwell and therefore posting erratically it would have to meet some specified criterion for deletion.

The mere fact that an unwell poster might, as you say, meet with mocking responses could well be a reason for deletion in some cases, for the sake of the OP's welfare. MN isn't really a safe place for someone in such a vulnerable state.

Futurename · 31/01/2025 22:21

How exactly is it beneficial for someone suffering from a MH episode to be mocked? The poster should be directed to real life support and the thread deleted.

IPM · 31/01/2025 22:25

Of course they should be deleted.

MNHQ are pretty good at digging through name changes and posting history, to work out whether a person is bullshitting or not.

The only time their hands are tied is when despite the fact something is very clearly bollocks, they can't prove it so have to give the benefit of the doubt.

What they should be working on is how to stop PBPs signing straight up again and posting more shit.

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