I’m concerned that Mumsnet are not doing enough to tackle misinformation

[Beadebaser]

I might end up getting a ban, or my thread deleted. But I am concerned. I’ve seen more anti-vaxx material discussed here than on any other social media platform.

And the way it is discussed concerns me. A potentially vulnerable person poses a question - and then others appear to ‘jump’ on this post giving advice that is contrary to the NHS guidelines.
I’m all for a debate in ‘normal’ times - but while things are pretty critical for the NHS/schools - shouldn’t we be doing all we can to support them and each other?
Yesterday I reported a post explaining in detail to Mumsnet why it was misinformation. They didn’t respond.
I’ve had a thread removed already saying I’d be messaged personally. I wasn’t contacted.
Mumsnet have a duty of care to their readers. Misinformation and fake news is an online harm.

I've seen limited / minimal anti vaxx stuff on here to be fair, especially in comparison to other social media platforms

What specifically do you consider to be "anti-vaxx material"?

I’ve seen antivaxx posts be deleted. I can’t say whether or not they’ve removed everything but I’ve reported posts and they were deleted, so they are trying.

I report it when I see it, but must admit I don't always check back to see if it's gone. I reckon if I've let Mumsnet know it's then up to them to act.
Facebook is rife with the stuff - we've got one on our local neighbourhood group who isn't even subtle - he's sharing nonsense from the sort of people who are reporting vaccinators to the police and blaming Bill Gates. I've reported him to group admins and to Facebook but it's still there.

you're not wrong, there's shit loads of anti vax/Covid denier nonsense on here but you'll get jumped on and told there isn't. But I agree. They do delete it quite fast when you report it, though, usually.

I've seen almost no anti-vaxx stuff on here. Is it just things you personally disagree with and want removed, do you think? Do you back your thoughts and opinions on these posts up with facts from NHS and other approved medical sites, while you're reporting them?

Seems to me anyone who is in any way hesitant for any reason about the vaccine gets jumped on pretty aggressively by nearly everyone here. I’ve not seen any misinformation go unchallenged.

are the NHS guidelines the law then?

I think people are able to make their own minds up...doubt a few mumsnet threads have such an impact on peoples thoughts around vaccinations

I’ve seen lots of anti vaxx nonsense and general misinformation on here - I do report them if I see them, but sometimes it can take a while for MN to delete them as they’re understandably very busy. I tend not to engage with those posters as you can’t argue with crazy.

Linking to a thread or two that contains misinformation and that hasn't been taken down would probably strengthen your case.

I doubt you can though, because I very much suspect that your version of misinformation is simply other people disagreeing with your opinion.

It's opinion. We are all allowed opinion.. it's a bloody discussion forum!!

@Remmy123

It's opinion. We are all allowed opinion.. it's a bloody discussion forum!!

i know!! people take this place far too seriously!!

Mumsnet have a duty of care to their readers. Misinformation and fake news is an online harm.

Mumsnetters have a duty of care to themselves, to seek information from the NHS.

If they can't do that, they shouldn't be on the internet.

It depends what you’re classing as “anti-vaxx”. Do you mean full on conspiracy stuff or just people with an opinion with which you don’t agree?

I’m increasingly seeing “anti-vaxx” being used as a slur term to describe any view that is less in favour of restrictions/lockdowns/absolute adherence to the law than the other person’s.

You need to start a thread in “site stuff”, where MNHQ will see it more easily

Mn seem to let everything pass unless there's an argument. Some threads on here and the feminism topic are hideous but they let it all go

@WorraLiberty

Mumsnet have a duty of care to their readers. Misinformation and fake news is an online harm.

Mumsnetters have a duty of care to themselves, to seek information from the NHS.

If they can't do that, they shouldn't be on the internet.

Absolutely - but SM is hugely influential and plays a massive part in spreading misinformation. Much easier to read posts there from people with opinions rather than actual relevant professional qualifications, than making an informed decision based on factual information from the NHS and other experts.

i don't see/hear 'anti-vcxx' in real life at all....people who choose not to be vaccinated are respected same as anyone else

i've had a few conversations with conspiracy theorists too (work with the public so unavoidable) but they are still respectful

all information/chats is just that. I still choose to do what I like

This is the right place if you want to bring things to MNHQ attention easily

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/site_stuff

I think that the threads police themselves tbh. There are some nutters pedalling nonsense but more than enough normal people to correct them

It's not just corona but other topics, too. I report posts as being misinformation but they are never deleted, which is disappointing.

Actually, I see the opposite. This is a very pro-vax site and people who post about not wanting the jab are encouraged to get it. People with needle phobias get loads of great support and advice to encourage them to get that jab.

I think you need to give examples.

Have any of you with concerns about this ever bothered to start a thread in Site Stuff?

@Remmy123

It's opinion. We are all allowed opinion.. it's a bloody discussion forum!!

Everyone is allowed an opinion, but there's far too many posts of misinformation being presented as fact.

No idea what the solution is, I don't think removing posts is necessarily that helpful as it just fuels the fire, but equally this type of forum isn't the kind of place that allows for debate in the same way something like reddit or twitter does.

Frustrating when you have spent a great deal of time engaging with a poster on something that is categorically untrue & designed to scare/discourage someone off being vaccinated, when you just see it being repeated over and over again on new threads.

Totally agree OP. I thought they weren’t supposed to allow it? I’m all for freedom of speech but this is bloody dangerous.