Try the new 'support' reaction

[LizzyMumsnet]

Many of you told us that while you enjoy using the ‘Thank’, ‘Agree’, and ‘Love’ reactions, there are times when you want to show empathy or care, especially when someone’s going through something difficult, without it feeling like you’re “loving” their situation.Starting today, you’ll see a new reaction available on the site called ‘Support’, represented by a flower icon.Here’s how it works:

• Select the ‘React’ button underneath the OP or reply.
• Choose the ‘Support’ reaction (or any of the others) to show how you feel about the post.
• Reactions are private and only visible to the post owner.
• You can select one reaction per post.

The full range of reactions is currently available on the website only (not in the app). We hope this gives you another meaningful way to connect with others and show care when it’s most needed.

Let us know what you think or if you have any questions! We're actively looking in to the issues being reported regarding ads and pages freezing so please bear with us on that!

I get why that feels frustrating, but the rule against calling someone a racist isn’t about shutting down challenges - it’s about keeping debate focused on what’s said, not labelling individuals. You can absolutely challenge racist views or language, but personal accusations tend to derail threads fast.

I feel like people used the laughing emoji sarcastically because there wasn't an emoji to indicate that you disagree with someone's comment.

I know MN likes to be positive all the time but unfortunately, their user base doesn't. Other sites have a "dislike" button which could just be a thumbs down or similar which isn't that hurtful to receive.

Posted by MN:
“Mumsnet is a site for grown-ups. That means you’re going to see posts you strongly disagree with. You may even find some of them offensive. It’s up to you decide whether to engage, to challenge constructively, or to scroll past. If you can’t do that without breaking our rules, this isn’t the place for you.”

I get what you're saying, but the outcome of that approach often tends to be that obviously racist posts are allowed to stand (because the racist poster understands exactly how to sidestep the moderation process) while the challenge gets deleted (because the challenger doesn't know how to play the game).

I'm afraid this is what makes people rather sceptical about your statement that the moderators are trained to consider the intent as well as the language. Based on our day to day experience of the site, that is not what we see happening.

Personally, in the absence of effective moderation, I would prefer MNHQ to stop moderating altogether, apart from the removal of content that actually breaks the law. The current approach - whereby MN say they will remove racist content but then often fail to do so - can feel a bit like a tacit acceptance of racist content which I'm sure isn't actually intended.

Yes, I agree this would be useful. It isn't as if people don't already disagree quite vociferously on the threads, so I can't imagine it would be particularly damaging to anyone.

Yep. Hiding the Report button was daft. Please put it back

"Hi, everyone I just need a handhold. I'm miscarrying a much-wanted baby".

<<Laugh reactions>>

Is this what people want?

Because it becomes a public popularity contest. Just let the words speak for themselves. If you can't manage that then just read... not everything needs everyone to form an opinion that can be reduced to an emoji.

No of course not, but why would people use the laughing emoji for that?

It was used almost exclusively for suggesting someone's comment was "laughable" in my experience (either funny or just laughable in a negative sense). Which could be hurtful but equally people can be very hurtful with words if they are just arseholes.

Hyperbole

They could easily put it back and get rid of the pointless "add post" button.

What is the point of that button, I don't get it?

That's why I said it was pointless.

I don't think it serves any purpose.

Sorry probably should have directed my question at @JustineMumsnet

F
Sorry that is ridiculous (see also ageism)

If something is racist and you don't delete it and say "challenge it in the thread" how do you suggest if is done? If you can't name something ...

That button gives me The Rage

No of course not, but why would people use the laughing emoji for that?

To belittle and bully people who are in bad situations.

You can find the threads about why it was removed and the examples given in it.

And your post makes me want the laughing emoji back!

That should be counted as bullying and the person using the button so inappropriately kicked off Mumsnet.

There is a difference between commenting on the post, and commenting on the poster.

I agree the Report button shouldn't be hidden, and it should be used instead of personal comments which can be dismissed.

I think we are allowed to say that a post is racist as long as we don't call the poster racist.

Semantics, really.

The problem is, you have to know how to play the game.

Meh. Racists say racist things.

Yep.

Precisely

The laugh emoji was used in response to someone who'd had a miscarriage. If you can't understand why that would be hurtful, maybe you are one of the people who abused it and caused it to be removed.