Get rid of the Laugh reaction

[LetsNCagain]

We don't need the Laugh reaction.
I've now only had it had used mockingly.

Specifically for example, in a thread where the op is upset about something and I gave a supportive message. Some loser gave me the Laugh emoji because they think op is being ridiculous and by extension, so am I for showing sympathy.

Mumsnet, please just get rid of it. If someone says a funny joke, the clap hands or thumbs up is perfectly adequate. The Laugh emoji is the only one that can be used in a mocking way

Edit to add Please!

I agree with you OP.
I don't like the new react feature at all and hope MN sees sense and returns the Thanks function.
The threads started on this subject all had some posters warning that the "laugh" emoji could be used to mock and upset people. And you unfortunately have experienced the truth of this.

I don’t see why it’s changed, a thumbs up was all that’s needed.

I was happy with just thanks.
I like things simple.
I don't see much difference between clap hands and thumbs up.

Adding my support to getting it removed.

I also don't see the difference between the clapping and thumbs up as I used the original thanks button for both thanks and agree.

I don't like change.

I do feel sorry for MN though as almost any change some people won't like.

I agree though with removing the laugh due to it being able to be used sarcastically.

I like that the reactions are private but that makes the mocking laugh reaction even more catty because no one else can see it and call it out.

I dread to think that that poster (who is systematically Laughing at all my supportive messages) is also laughing at the op of that thread, an upset new mum, and indeed other upset ops.

I know I could report them but just - why? Why would mumsnet create a function that they'd now have to police all over the place.

And I don't think the upset op would report. She'd just feel more upset.

The visual appearance of the laugh emoji doesn't look like a nice laugh, which probably doesn't help either. Something like the good old is much better for conveying 'that amused me' rather than 'laughing at you'.

Yes and crucially, the only way to Laugh used to be publicly.

So if some loser is going around mocking upset ops, other people can call it out 'give op a break!' And/or report it.

Whereas if someone secretly Laughs at an upset op, no one else knows, and the upset op is unlikely to report it

I agree with you.

So another user has laughed at my original post of this thread. What's funny about it...? Genuinely puzzled.

In real life, do these people express disagreement through prolonged and audible laughter? I can imagine that'd look a bit disturbing

I agree. I like the new reactions apart from the laugh which is going to be used to make people feel bad at least 50% of the time.

I agree about removing the laugh but there should be one reaction that's not positive. A thumbs down would do so it can register disagreement without being mean.

I have only used it when something was written that was funny. I don’t like it when people do it to mock people.

I want an eye roll reaction.

Might get repetitive stress though...

I agree with you @LetsNCagain

I disagree with eye roll reactions too as that would just be used in the same mocking way.

If someone wants to disagree they should have the backbone to do it publicly and civilly. Or, simply thumbs-up-agree with others who are disagreeing publicly and civilly.

I'm sure I'm not alone here in saying I've deeply appreciated mumsnet, for years, in being one of the more civil corners of the internet

Agreed.
Another one hoping we return to the thanks- that was plenty. To be honest I was fine without that- quoting and agreeing adds to the discussion, privately thanking doesn't.

Worried we're on a slippery slope to reddit style ranking by reactions which would ruin the 'temporal conversation' aspect of MN. Discussion on Reddit and x is nonexistent, just everyone spouting an unconnected opinion with no development.

Disagree 😉

If you want to disagree, do it publicly and explain why.

I imagine that you might be thinking you'd like this for those few voices on, say, FWR board who just keep coming back with unscientific oddities or berating people for being too right wing (when they aren't) and so on.

But those commenters are dealt with fine by either being ignored, or by the multitude of sensible ripostes that people make; and everyone benefits from reading the sensible ripostes.

Whereas the eye roll thing, or even just a thumbs down, could be used very cattily to genuinely sad and worried ops

Of course report this. Why do you want to spare MNHQ work over something that causes distress? This is a forum that is moderated in response to user reports. That's how it works.

It's a... Joke. Not mine btw, but mildly amusing. Like when someone starts a thread to complain about people quoting the OP and then every reply quotes them. Or someone starts a thread to moan about the swearing on here and the first reply turns the air blue.

I agree with the OP. Thanks or thumbs up to avoid repeated shows of simple agreement only. If people disagree they can explain why. It's a discussion board after all. They don't have to reply. I really dislike this use of the laughter emoji, crowing contempt rather than explaining why one doesn't agree. It's such a poor and unpleasant form of communication

If I used the eyeroll for every post on FWR that I disagree with I'd never leave. TWAW.

But yes I did mean (slightly tongue in cheek) that I would use it to mock. Obviously. I would have used it on your OP too.

But I can't report them because it's private, that's my point.

Sure I could report the laughing at my supportive comments but I'm not actually saddened by them, just bemused and irritated.

But I highly suspect that he is Laughing at the upset op, which I imagine would compound her upset. I don't know though, so how can I report it?

And yes agree with this.