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!

It’s private thumbs down. I dont agree with it tbh.

I agree. It isn't needed and can be abused, and we all know there are plenty of trolls and troublemakers on MN. Giving them an opportunity to harass someone without being seen is a terrible idea.

Yes, exactly this. ^

I'm guessing the arseholes will post anyway. They like the attention.

I agree OP, someone used it mockingly yesterday on a very sensitive subject. It is catty and not needed. The thumbs up was just fine.

I think that if it's being used wrongly, that we should all be quick to report, so that MNHQ get the message that it needs to go!

i don't want it to go. Why assume everyone on MN wants it gone. I'd be pissed off if MN get rid because a few people don't like it.

So why are you even on here then, since you seem to hate the site so much?

I also keep hitting the reaction button while scrolling. I have not used it by choice, so if I have applied it to any post accidentally, and it was inappropriate, I apologise!

I agree. The laughing emoji is used by nasty people to mock. Get rid of it.
I also preferred the old thanks system. Can’t see any advantage in the change at all.

I liked the “thanks” button because it was a “gentle” all size fits all reaction. I have often used it.

I don’t mind the “I agree” posts that show up. I like to see the responses and general opinion. They give their own contribution to an overall thread.

As I said on another thread, I don’t want to have to ponder what reaction might be suitable or not. I do try to think of the person seeing it, and I wouldn’t like to offend anyone unwittingly. At least if reactions with particular meaning are public, as can be done now, they can be commented on.

I used to use the thank button a lot. I haven’t, and don’t plan to, use these new ones at all.

Oh my god go outside It's just an emoji

Yes, I agree. Bring back the gentle "thanks" button.

Yes an eye roll reaction would be fabulous. I agree though, I would have tired myself out from using it on most of the posts on this thread.

Maybe it would be easier if posters just developed some resilience - and a sense of humour.

You know what they need? A pearl clutching emoji.

Imagine getting this upset at an emoji from a stranger

Many people use MN for advice and support when struggling. Saying 'just develop some resilience' is thoughtless and uncaring.

Everyone has resilience until they are given too much to cope with. Let's just hope you are never overwhelmed and need help not sarcastic comments.

Exactly @TeenToTwenties MN isn’t an extension of X, despite what some posters seem to think. There are many threads that are started by people who are looking for help and support - a laughing emoji contributes precisely nothing to that.

I actually think emojis are long overdue for mumsnet, they are standard on any site now and mumsnet needs to move with the times. I don’t think they should be private though, that’s completely pointless

Yes, please do try to imagine why someone might be upset. You might need to work at it if you've never been in their shoes (thinking of some of the posts on relationships)and are naturally resilient.

I find it harder to imagine why anyone would be mean enough to take the time to stick these small knives into a stranger, but it evidently happens...so why give them tools to make it easy?

@DevilWitch That’s the point though - they are standard on many other sites so anyone using those sites know their comments can be laughed at anonymously. MN is different - posters can share anything that’s going on in their lives and ask for advice, help or support in what can be really challenging or personal situations. If posters respond in a dickish way (as often happens) MN can delete the comment or other posters can tell them to wind their neck in. Giving someone who’s really struggling a laughing emoji serves no purpose whatsoever other than to kick them when they’re already down - and the posters doing it know exactly what they’re doing.

They may well have clicked on them by accident while scrolling on their phones,I do it all the time on FB and did it yesterday too.

Removing them won't make any difference,if someone wants to be an arse they will anyway. I think they should be made public though like on FB.

Totally agree.

MNHQ aren’t really bothered about malicious posters though are they?

I think you've led a very sheltered life if you can't imagine a situation where "just developing resilience" wouldn't help. Some people have suffered abuse or terrible losses or illnesses