Facebook Politics Against Bullying and Harassment

Facebook can be a lovely place to share pictures of family and pets. It can also be a much harsher place where slight disagreements turn into ultra hot deluxe arguments and outright hostility. Regardless of the subject, be it politics, sport, or anything else, Facebook and its users need to keep a level head and deal with bullying and harassment.

Political Arguments

It is easy to deal with a friend with strong views, which is not to engage in their argument. It is different when a stranger gets involved in your discussion and becomes confrontational.  Not everyone can make their point in a reasoned and acceptable way. Often, they think that showing aggression makes them more dedicated or passionate about their cause. If you are uncomfortable with their actions, it is possible to unfriend or block them. Admittedly, this is not always easy when it is a good friend. It, however, is a lot more common than you may think. It is estimated that around 20% of people do this.

Why does this happen?

It has long been known that there is often conflict in politics. The difference tends to be that the combatants are elected and doing their job. They will know what they are getting into, so they should not be surprised. It should not be brought to you in your own home. So, what is Facebook doing when it is on its pages?

Facebook’s reaction

Sadly, Facebook should have to get involved in this, but some people will not quit. They have, and the first step is to give you more control. You can hide or delete remarks you do not like. More offensive words are being added to ones to be blocked, but it is accepted that there is more to be done. It is now possible to report comments on someone else’s behalf. They may be scared of repercussions, so they do not have to be involved. These reports do have to be carried out sensibly. It does not mean that because you do not like an opinion, you can have it deemed offensive. There is a process to be followed before the request will be upheld.

Appealing the decision

In the same way decisions against inappropriate comments can be reviewed, so can political bullying decisions. The same applies if the remarks are not removed. An appeal can be made against the decision to keep them up.

Is this the end?

Facebook says that this is not the end of the matter. They are pleased that they are putting in place plans to reduce bullying but accept that they have not solved the problem yet. It is understood that as one policy beds in, there will be a way around it found. The best thing you can do is to keep in touch with them and report any misdemeanours as soon as they arise. They cannot do it alone – we all must be in it together.