u/Lady_Aleksandra

I've joined a sub that was supposed to be open. Their rules state "no harassment", "respect other opinions" and "inclusive community". Someone posted about how it would be nice to exclude some people and asked other users for opinion. The post was well received and upvoted, and everyone who stated an opinion different than the user who started the discussion was insulted, bashed and downvoted.

I then started another post suggesting a new group for what was stated to be undesirable, so that people who don’t want it don't need to see it, and people who do, can have their own space and peace. Again, I was bashed, insulted and downvoted, because my opinion was opposing the majority. Interestingly, no one except one person expressed whether they want a split between content or not. (And this person sent me to "my own group" in anger.) The entire thread was unconstuctive discussion with no intention to resolve.

The content in question was said to be allowed in the group's rules.

Everyone who stated any opinion that is not extremely against, was insulted on a personal level. But no one encouraged the split, as if they'd like people to stay and be harassed.

So, when you have this situation, group rules are one thing, but the group is something clearly other, and moderators simply allow it all, what do you do?

I removed myself and connected to some people who were also attacked for support, but this is clearly a moderation problem. When the group itself doesn't follow it's own rules, is that something that should be addressed in any way? Especially if allows violent behaviour towards users?

Note: I respect differing opinions, it was not my intention to argue. But conversation in a civil manner was not possible and it all escalated without any warning.

There was an initiative against AI decks, and as an AI-friendly creator, I decided to support it.

Yesterday there was a discussion, that turned into bashing and insults, and clearly AI is a topic not everyone can comprehend. Clearly, AI is a topic people feel strongly about and don’t always agree on.

I understand people are passionate about what they stand for and want to see their values embodied. I am too.

I am very against violence and harassment, and what I saw yesterday, in a community that should be about spiritual practices and mystic arts, very much disappointed me. I'm not here to change anyone's opinion, but I wanted to express my concern regarding violent behaviour towards differing stances. Which I see as a sign of an unhealthy community.

Anyway, since AI is a triggering topic, I wanted to propose removing AI decks into another, less hostile space where creators and practitioners can have a conversation without anyone bringing them down. If anyone wants to help moderate that space, DM me. I need at least 3 mods to set up a group.

That will hopefully give peace to the anti-AI crowd, and space to the pro-AI folks.

Credits to the Redditor who proposed this as a possible solution.

Note: Please do not downvote this post if you're anti-AI and want AI escorted out of the room, as it losses reach. Downvote me as much as you like, but allow the problem to be addressed.

I entered a discussion a while ago and shared my opinion despite knowing it differs from what the crowd wants. It's the same argument I already participated in thousands of times in the last few years, but nevertheless... I stand by my opinion.

Aside from seeing exactly 3 arguments recycled and half-researched, what annoys me in this situation is that, after those 3 get exhausted, the crowd moves onto insulting. I don't insult anyone for disagreeing with me. I'm actually fine with that. We're not here to think the same and I respect that.

Aside, from being a bot or a troll for differing in opinion, I'm really annoyed by personal insults towards people who did not gave any reason for it (they expressed their opinions politely). I just witnessed a woman, who is pretty knowledgeable in the subject, get horrible insults out of the blue by a pack of frustrated people. She disagreed, but didn't say anything disrespectful to anyone. She simply had arguments, that no one had counter-arguments for.

Is defending a cause or idea or a belief by all means justified to you? We're talking about this kind of activism that is aimed against end users, those with low or no level of agency. Not real activism that speaks to companies and institutions that can actually change something.