Fear of On-Line Mobs

[Thoughtful Monk]

(Link to long and very good article here: https://www.bloomberg.com/view/artic...he-online-mobs)

This paragraph in the article most resonates with me: "The people I have these conversations with are terrified that something they say will inadvertently offend the self-appointed powers-that-be. They’re afraid that their email will be hacked, and stray snippets will make them the next one in the internet stocks. They’re worried that some opinion they hold now will unexpectedly be declared anathema, forcing them to issue a humiliating public recantation, or risk losing their friends and their livelihood."

This is my fear of on-line posting. I confess I've avoiding certain threads or didn't state my full position because of this. I don't know. I'm probably a coward. Just looks to me that one effect of the Internet and Social Media is the replacement of Free Speech with Group Think.

[demi-conservative]

I'm probably a coward.

Agree!!

[One Bad Pig]

It's not the on-line mob that causes me to use a pseudonym, but the lone nutters who might stalk me down for not taking their ravings seriously. I'm also low enough on the totem pole at work that I'm probably not worth going after. My firm is extremely diversity-conscious.

[Sparko]

This is one of the reasons we allow anonymity on tweb. We don't know who you are, where you live or anything else about you or anyone else, unless you tell people. We even have a rule against revealing private information about any members without their permission. We also cannot see anyone's private messages.

I also keep my social media locked down pretty tight.

Yes, there are nuts out there who want to cause others harm. The Antifa and SJWs, and other radicals are known for Doxing. Basically exposing private information about people for malicious intent. It is always best to keep your private information private online.

[Thoughtful Monk]

It's not the on-line mob that causes me to use a pseudonym, but the lone nutters who might stalk me down for not taking their ravings seriously. I'm also low enough on the totem pole at work that I'm probably not worth going after. My firm is extremely diversity-conscious.

I get your point about the lone nutter. While my firm isn't extremely diversity-conscious, I'm probably high enough on the totem pole to go after.

[KingsGambit]

At this point I don't think the totem pole matters. People who were in the white nationalist march were having their employers contacted about their participation, even if they were something like a fry cook.

[Terraceth]

Don't post anything on the Internet (or send it in an e-mail) if you wouldn't be okay with it being on the front page of the newspaper, your boss's desk, or the desk of a police officer.

[Thoughtful Monk]

Don't post anything on the Internet (or send it in an e-mail) if you wouldn't be okay with it being on the front page of the newspaper, your boss's desk, or the desk of a police officer.

Good advice and I try to always follow it. However I think its getting out of date as society changes.

For example, I could post that I support the pro-life position and my employer could get deluged with emails accusing me of being sexist and violent towards women. At that point, I would be ousted and have no recourse in NY labor law.

What is your defense if the Internet turns on you?

[One Bad Pig]

What is your defense if the Internet turns on you?

I'd argue that, since my firm was founded by people who others refused to employ, it would be hardly fair for them to boot me for holding unpopular views.

And I know lots of people who have liked my work who moved on to other places who would either find a place for me with them or represent me pro bono.

[demi-conservative]

At this point I don't think the totem pole matters. People who were in the white nationalist march were having their employers contacted about their participation, even if they were something like a fry cook.

Now think what would happen if Trump lost. Progs would use march as excuse to take down other people on right, who are not related to march!

[Sparko]

Liberalism:

We believe in Diversity, as long as everyone is just like us.
We believe in Inclusiveness, as long as you believe what we do.
We believe in Free Speech, as long as you don't say anything we disagree with.

[Zymologist]

Liberalism:

We believe in Diversity, as long as everyone is just like us.
We believe in Inclusiveness, as long as you believe what we do.
We believe in Free Speech, as long as you don't say anything we disagree with.

It's just this kind of bigoted, extremist right-wing talk that any Reasonable Person would agree should be banned.

[Sparko]

It's just this kind of bigoted, extremist right-wing talk that any Reasonable Person would agree should be banned.

speaking of banning...

[Zymologist]

speaking of banning...

Speaking of banning should only be allowed if it's to ban hateful right-wing rhetoric.

[Sparko]

Speaking of banning should only be allowed if it's to ban hateful right-wing rhetoric.

I have reported you to the SS. Mossy should be along any moment with The Pin™