Reddit

 

        Turning Hate On The Internet Into Humor

This fascinating podcast highlighted a topic many of us would not consider looking this deeply into. This podcast showed what happens on Reddit and how extreme hate can spread like wildfire on sites like Reddit. I was fascinated by how Reddit moderators take negative on the platform, such as homophobia and racism, and turn it around to create humor on the platform, essentially using reverse psychology on these internet trolls. Redditors and moderators use humor to “take power away from those who hate.”  Many of these moderators, like Melinda, dedicate much of their lives to fighting these Reddit haters, trying to inform them and educate them on the topic rather than being aggressive and creating an even more hostile and aggressive platform. 

A subreddit is a community or forum on Reddit's social media platform dedicated to a particular topic, interest, or theme. Users can subscribe to subreddits related to their interests and participate in discussions, share content, ask questions, and interact with other users who share similar interests. Each subreddit is typically moderated by a team of volunteers who enforce community rules and guidelines to ensure discussions remain civil and on-topic. Subreddits cover many topics, from hobbies and interests to news, science, technology, entertainment, and more. Many state that they like Reddit because of how much you can learn from it and find communities on the platform.

Moderators delete harmful content and replace it with positivity, such as Reddit regarding body positivity. Moderators on platforms who were featured in this podcast stated that “The good outnumber the bad,” which is very optimistic to hear, but other moderators also stated that “The bad is so damn loud.” With this, Melinda has become focused on subreddit takers who are taking an approach to social justice. Regarding moderators and subreddits, there is considerable debate on free speech because many feel insulting and hateful information should not be posted on this platform. However, other users and outsiders state that taking posts down violates free speech rights. An employee at Reddit noted on the podcast that they “Don't police belief but police behavior.” Overall, I feel that Reddit has control of hate and has created great solutions for combating hate and promoting positivity on its platform.