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Original poster

An algorithm to remove 'Karen'?

4 replies

BIWI · 01/09/2021 14:43

It's a horrible misogynistic and ageist term.

I know you have an algorithm that deletes posts that mention certain other websites; is it possible to have an algorithm that at the very least deletes the word if it's being used? And then automatically posts to say that a word has been deleted because it breaks Talk Guidelines?

(I appreciate that if anyone is on the Baby Names board asking about 'Karen' that might be more difficult!)

The thing is, there are posters who don't seem to realise just what a horrible thing it is to say, but then the rest of their post is filled with people calling them on it, so they never really get an answer to their question.

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MNHQ

soniamumsnet · 01/09/2021 15:59

Hi @BIWI thanks for flagging this to us. We'll have a think about what we could do - but for now we'll rely upon people reporting posts and we'll try to step in quickly and moderate. Flowers

MNHQ

JustineMumsnet · 08/09/2021 15:16

Thanks for raising this Biwi. We do, obviously, agree that this term is often used in a derogatory way but we've never auto deleted words on Mumsnet because, as has been pointed out upthread, algorithms tend to be imperfect and in any case people find workarounds - the best thing is to report it's use and we'll take a look asap and certainly delete it where it's used as an attack or put down.

MNHQ

MichaelMumsnet · 09/09/2021 09:44

Just so you know, we're working on filters and auto alerts so that unacceptable terms like the N-word never appear on site.
In the meantime, please keep reporting and we'll get straight on it.

MNHQ

JustineMumsnet · 10/09/2021 16:30

@AuntieStella

There are many, many posts about people called Karen - singers, actors, characters on telly etc, plus brands that get regularly mentioned in S&B and a speaker who is discussed in FWR. Plus it still crops up in baby name threads.

The word Karen is not in itself unacceptable - all those uses above are entirely acceptable. Arguably, threads talking about why the use of the term 'Karen' as a stereotype/insult sound also be deemed acceptable (or should this entire thread be autodeleted, because the number of mentions of Karen?)

It is the unacceptable use as an insult that is the problem, not the correct use. And autodelete wouldn't be able to differentiate (that's very core of the 'auto' part, is it not?

What AuntieStella said!
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