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 don't want the laugh reaction removed. MN is always up in arms about something. It's not that big a bloody deal.

I agree. At least on Facebook you can block people who laugh bitchily, but you can't do that on mumsnet

MN is just a website, full of trolls,bots and wind ups.. If you want proper advice I suggest you find it in real life.

• I have clicked the laugh emoji, when a witty comment genuinely made me laugh
• I keep accidentally clicking on the react button as I scroll so may have unknowingly sent many more
• I don't check my notifications, there are permanently 50+ and I don't find it a useful list so I have no idea if anyone has ever reacted to one of my posts so actually find the whole thing rather pointless

Hopefully if we all report people who laugh inappropriately eg. At a bereavement, mumsnet will get sick of the extra work it causes them

The clap hands = thanks on here though.

I like and use the laugh function because it saves me having to quote and reply 🤣

But didn't the founder sell up and take their money and run? Do they even care ?

I like and use the laugh function because it saves me having to quote and reply 🤣

And there's the real issue. It's something that stops discussion, which is what MN should be all about.

We aren't reddit or Facebook.

I liked the 'thanks' option, and that it was private. But expanding it to different reactions is not only reductive, but also (potentially) encouraging snide and unpleasant responses, that are also hidden from other posters.

MN is a business first and foremost. The helpful community ship sailed long ago.

I agree with the OP. It's just another tool for nasty childish posters.
But having said that, used as intended, it's great.
And nasty childish posters are going to be just that anyway.
Undecided.

I like the laugh - but then I’m on threads where we’re being funny so it’s a compliment and shows you’re joining the joke. Weight loss chats are much nicer than aibu.

But there are lots of amusing posts that I wouldn't reply with a smile to or discuss but the new emoji allows me to show the poster ai do appreciate their humour.

Well that is someone just put a laugh emoji on the post I made early on in this thread.
My post wasn't remotely funny.

This change MN has made is going to vastly impact the whole nature of the site. There was always a problem with posters who enjoyed being unpleasant to other users and this "laugh" emoji has just given them the perfect tool to spread more nastiness.

Thanks was sufficient I think. It allowed you to acknowledge a good, thoughtful, or detailed post without adding to the thread count.

The emojis are private so don’t really add anything. I would in no way want them to be public either, as a PP said this site benefits greatly from not being a popularity contest.

I also think they are horribly garish compared to the rest of the site and they also pop up and get in the way while I’m scrolling.

I was thinking again that Errol's suggestion works fine.

Some/most boards should simply have the Laugh reaction disabled.

There is basically no good reason when anyone should be Laugh reacting on threads in Bereavement, Infant Feeding, kids with SEN, Conception, Childcare etc the list goes on.

Like in the Times "comments are disabled for this article" we could have "reactions are disabled on this board"

And I do think many users use mumsnet as a place for support and parenting advice. Those users should matter more than being inclusive of the hilarious edgelords

What a horrible obnoxious useless comment. MANY women (and a few men) find help and advice and comfort and friendship on Mumsnet. It's been a lifesaver for some people. It's not always possible - or easy - to get help in real life, and many people are too shy or embarrassed to ask in real life.

But removing a particular emoji isn't going to solve your problem.
Most of the classic positive emojis are now frequently used with sarcasm. You'd have to get rid of the whole thing

It's not a horrible comment. It's the truth. I'd always advise people to seek real life help.

I agree. It's nasty.

People use mn because they often don't know people in real life who have relevant experience who can help.
Especially for example parents of SN children can be very isolated.

Totally agree. I don't want to scroll through loads of 'reaction' posts and am writing far fewer myself, thanks to the buttons.

When we want to let someone know how we feel about what they've said in real life, we're more likely to show than tell - private reacts are a way of mirroring that, without creating a Facebook mentality.

I would quite like a shocked react, to reduce the number of 'Wow' quote posts.

But you don't know who is behind the screen.I've seen dangerous advice dished out on MN by so called experts. Especially on medical problem threads.

Hopefully the laught reaction will reduce the number of 'spat my coffee out on my keyboard' or 'DH baffled by my hysterics' responses to posts that are at best only worth a wry smile.

I know humour is subjective but still.

I think we should screenshot and post people using it nastily so people can see and report it too. I agree that people who post in despair about something won't have the headspace for that though.

The people who pushed to have a laugh emoji may well be people who wanted to use it to mock people. It's a shame they've won.