Managing Social Conflicts Online
May 16, 2008 11:16 am Social Media
As social media users, we are constantly exposed to a variety of opinions that don’t necessarily align with our own. With so many people from various cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, religions, and political affiliations are interacting with each other, it is inevitable that they will clash at some point. I have witnessed a variety of reactions to offensive stories on social media sites. There are users who will turn a blind eye, users who upmod or bury stories, some who offer comments and those who file reports with host sites. Based on that, I decided to evaluate the importance of sharing independent viewpoints and the ethics of managing a social media site.
Before the growth of social media, people got their global news by traditional mediums like the newspaper, television and the radio. However, there is a major shift happening where an increasing number of people are pulling information from the internet exclusively. Social media has effectively democratized information. It allows users to share news and provide input. It is now rare to only receive a one-sided story. And because of this medium, users are more apt to share their perspectives. As in real life, this causes conflict between users with opposing beliefs.
The moment an opinion is shared online, the subject is opened up for the world to respond. Users will receive instantaneous feedback, whether it is for or against their position. They should also be prepared for exposure to stories and comments that are against their beliefs. There is minimal censorship occurring in social media, so tolerance is imperative. If you want to come and play online, be ready for a variety of viewpoints. It is exciting, interesting and above all, educational.
An important question to ask is whether or not the social media site should get involved in a conflict occurring between users. Often, site managers are asked to intervene in a complicated situation where people are arguing about very sensitive subjects like religion and politics. In order to avoid a catastrophic public reaction, it is wise for the site to stay clear of arguments amongst their users. It should show that it respects the viewpoints of both parties. If the managers sway in one direction and show preference to a single user, it will only incite a larger problem. As long as the story does not incite hate or harm, the site should remain neutral. The only role that a social media site should have is banning those who violate their Terms of Service. Obviously, they also have every right to reprimand those who harass and threaten others.
Users need to learn to be socially responsible and open their minds to different points of view. By joining a social news site, you are accepting the fact that you are going to see all kinds of stories. If you don’t agree with them, you have the right to downmod the story and write a comment stating your own viewpoints. The point, after all, is to be heard in a public forum, no matter where you stand.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Another great, thoughtful well written post. I’m really enjoying what you have to say.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:44 am
[...] Christopher Grant wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe moment an opinion is shared online, the subject is opened up for the world to respond. Users will receive instantaneous feedback, whether it is for or against their position. They should also be prepared for exposure to stories and … [...]
May 16th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Great post, awesome topic. The empowerment of the internet. I am a strong believer that those who have little or no social skills away from their computer are even worse at their computer. It is refreshing to see others feel the same way.
May 16th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
[...] Christopher Grant wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe moment an opinion is shared online, the subject is opened up for the world to respond. Users will receive instantaneous feedback, whether it is for or against their position. They should also be prepared for exposure to stories and … [...]
May 16th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
This is an astonishingly astute column! Everyone who reads blogs or news on the internet, and especially those that write posts or comments, need to read and heed these words. Reem is almost always right on target, but she has outdone herself with this post. Thanks!
May 16th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Well said! Great topic here and I definitely agree with your opinion. There are way too many minds that don’t think a like for us to be petty about perspectives that don’t match our own. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn!
May 16th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Nice post Reem. Very thoughtful. Personally, I love the shift that is happening, or has happened with me, to find news online and talk about it with others. Some people submit stories that I don’t like, but I usually just ignore them. At times, comments get a little harsh, but it’s only their opinion. A few times, someone has royally pissed me off, and I let them know about it; however, I’ve always felt like the broad range of view points is much preferred to the alternative. Unless the Terms of Service are violated, then I don’t ever expect a social media company to get involved. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on this important matter!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:35 am
First, let me start by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this article, and I agree wholeheartedly with the points made therein.
While admittedly, I do not know the author’s social media site of choice, I can’t help but observe that the article reads like something written by a SuperMixxer.
From my experiences and observations, there is great variance in the relative civility or lack thereof with which disputes are handled within the respective social media communities.
For example, the community at Mixx has earned a reputation for respect, tolerance, intelligent debate and discussion in dealing with controversial or polarizing topics.
Much to the contrary, I think the primary reason a lot of people use Digg is to be able to trash-talk, insult and degrade others, and trash other people’s work and/or ideas anonymously, and under the cover of a username and avatar.
Comment threads at Digg bring back memories of the chaotic vitriol that defined the mid-1990’s AOL Chat Rooms.
As for me, I like to argue just for the sake of arguing. I don’t necessarily even agree with the position I espouse half the time. Like most Mixxers, I keep it civil and respectful - regardless of the topics or opinions involved.
May 17th, 2008 at 12:57 am
Great post Reem. I agree with the many others in that this post was especially intuitive. I’ll come back and write my opinion on the content when I’m not as tired!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Great post Reem !
May 17th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
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