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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Should MN maybe post a thread daily mentioning high profile threads which have turned out to be trolls?

57 replies

HeartsAndClubs · 26/10/2021 17:20

I know that in theory mn doesn’t want to talk about which threads have been troll threads, especially when they’ve been there a while. But the reality is that members do talk about these threads,because people post asking what happened to the poster etc. But then MN remove the thread for being a TAAT because it’s “against guidelines” which then means that because those who haven’t seen it haven’t seen it they post another thread which is then deleted for being a TAAT and so it continues.

So surely it would be better to either post a thread talking about which high profile (i.e. the funeral thread to name one) threads have been removed, and people can go there before posting a “what happened to/I’m worried about/hope x is ok” type thread. You could, if you didn’t want discussion of the particular trolls, remove commenting.

Thing is there will always be trolls, and when they’re outed they will always be discussed. Especially in the case of trolls who have been particularly emotive ones where users may personally have become invested due to their own circumstances.

OP posts:
NiceGerbil · 01/11/2021 01:36

It would be useful to list the topics that we have some really prolific trolls on-

Tights
Wetting self
Etc

Could lure more in though?

Chargreen · 01/11/2021 02:13

Elderly Korean Lady was a troll? What?

BIWI · 01/11/2021 07:54

@toddlersbcrazy

I don't understand the troll thing (on mn specifically). And I really don't understand why people suspect so many users of being trolls. I do appreciate I'm probably being naive here.

My first posting on mn (under a different username) had loads of people asking if I was trolling. No, it was about my PFB and I was a FTM. It was a daft question, but I really didn't know. It was quite upsetting and I didn't come back for a long time.

I also don't understand the fury around 'dripfeeds'!

@toddlersbcrazy

People get annoyed about dripfeeds because they have based their response to the OP about the information they were given in their first post. Which could be very different when they know the full story.

Sparklingbrook · 01/11/2021 08:12

Yes, dripfeeds are annoying because that vital bit of information given half an hour later than the first post would have meant the first lot of responses would have been completely different probably. They completely change the narrative.

toddlersbcrazy · 01/11/2021 08:55

@Sparklingbrook @BIWI - that clears up a mystery! Thanks

LemonTT · 01/11/2021 08:59

The reality is that trolls employ language and situations to induce very strong emotions and opinions about a hugely unlikely situation. The people following the threads are in a fog of anger or euphoria. I think the ability to question the situation or point out that it’s a regular trolling story could get people to think more critically about what they are reading.

I don’t agree the advice holds up and the thread should be kept. It’s advice coming from an exaggerated and distorted place. The troll pushes people to extreme and divisive positions. Better off directing people to organisations and charities that help. Although that applies to almost all social media.

My suggestion would be that posts on sensitive topic should be moved out of AIBU into the slower moving boards where advice and comments are to point and informed. Or to remove them altogether and direct the poster to a relevant organisation. With begging posts this should happen straight away.

ThatLibraryMiss · 01/11/2021 23:58

@NiceGerbil

It would be useful to list the topics that we have some really prolific trolls on-

Tights
Wetting self
Etc

Could lure more in though?

Schoolchildren not being allowed to go to the toilet Eight-year-olds made to wear nappies I (ie the trolls: I'm fine, thanks) think my genitals are weird; tell me all about yours
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