Facebook and other online arguing sites.

I don't do Facebook because of what I've heard/read about the hatred that exists. I can't be doing with it and can't understand why most posters are so quick to point fingers to people who they don't know. Everyone's lives seemed to have been turned upside down through all the " mischief " that surrounds this site.

I experienced atrocious bullying on a site which interested me greatly and because I held a different view I was literally bombarded with the most horrendous abuse which had migrated onto another site which is connected to the one I was on but which I never visited. Word had spread about my views and it quickly became a war of words-------I left it last August after 6 years, or rather I was bullied out.

The subject up for discussion still interests me but I daren't sign back into it or even Twitter because the same thing will happen again from these obnoxious people------all because my view on the subject differs from theirs !

I've been on FB for years. it's a great way of keeping loosely in touch with friends you don't see very often, or catching up with family who live a distance away. Of course, privacy settings are most important. That ensures that people you may not wish to know can't gain access.

Unlike some younger people who seem to set great store by the sheer number of 'friends' they can accumulate on FB, being older and wider my friends actually are people I wish to know.

Oops, should be older and wiser... wider too, come to think of it!

Im only on facebook to play the games, I do think that people do not read entire posts and digest whats been typed. They jump in too quickly to reply because they dont agree with whats been said. Reading something can be read in so many ways, we all have different interpretations on what we read. People need to respect others views and accept they are different from their own.

What Blinko said - I think its fun and an easy way to keep in touch- never had a problem.

I've just skim-read the first link. One thing that leapt out right at the start was the basic rules of the lad's group:

"There are some basic ground rules: explain your reasoning, challenge the proposition, but don't be rude or hostile. Original posters are required to engage and to truly consider counter-arguments."

It would be great if people on Gransnet would apply those same rules, particularly, though not just, on the political threads.

The second link seems, at a glance, to adopt an approach that I'm pretty sure I've seen used quite regularly (deliberately or not, i don't know) on Gransnet:

"They don't attempt to change the minds of people posting hate or argue directly with extremists. Instead they collectively inject discussions with facts and straightforwardly argued reasonable viewpoints. The idea is to provide balance [...]"

Both worthy approaches, imo.

That said, I think Facebook (the only social media platform that I use regularly) is what you make of it.
I first used it purely for keeping up with what my grandchildren were doing - at my DiL's suggestion. (It was she who told me about Gransnet, too.)
Since then, I have joined one open group, which was started by disgruntled customers of an energy company where we could share our experiences, info and advice on how to tackle them. This proved invaluable. I have also just joined a local closed group which is about tackling waste/recycling issues. Again,very useful.

Probably because I am so selective, my own experience of Facebook has been very positive.
If, when browsing, I come across a page/site/group that I don't like, I simply avoid it. Not quite so simple for young people, I'm sure, but I don't really get why mature adults have a problem with this or any other social media platform.

I check in on Facebook a couple of times a day. It is a good way of keeping up with family and friends but I do have maximum privacy settings and am careful about mentioning holidays etc.

I use Facebook. It is a good way of keeping in touch with friends and family. I also use it for the private forums which have support groups for issues that I have or going through. All has been positive for me

It is really what you want to make it. Make sure your settings are secure, don't accept anyone and everyone as friends. The number of friend I have on FB is minimal, and I know everyone of these people in real life. If you don't like something or a group you are in take your self out of it --- it is easy to do.

I deleted my Facebook account after it was hacked. It took time to do, but I haven't missed it.

Facebook is fine or keeping in touch with family or friends who you don;t see very often,
The problem is when people put too much personal information on it,or slag other people off,then others join in
I like it for the help animals get when they are lost or stolen, but if people microchipped their dogs they would often be reunited a lot quicker
I don;t do the games as there have been warnings about them spreading viruses

My FB is pretty peaceful, mostly filled with photos of cats, dogs and crafts. Arguments are very rare and I ignore them anyway. My settings are tight so I know who people are.

The same here, SueDonim, in the main, although some posts from a charity can be quite distressing, albeit a reminder that, even though everyone here is consumed with UK politics, people are still suffering in Syria.

and missing or stolen dogs - does that seem to be on the increase?

Interesting posts on here and I agree with it being whatever you want it to be I.e keeping up with what’s happening with family and friends etc but EllenVannin’s post rang a few alarm bells.

I’m not interested in politics and have no left/right leanings and consequently don’t comment/like stuff that Facebook friends have posted. Because of this I’ve been unfriended by three staunch Labour supporters who deem my lack of encouragement in their views means I’m persona non grata!

Anyone else find this bizarre?

I don't use FB but a couple of years ago I was at the receiving end with some others of some very unpleasant and untrue comments. I was told about it by other FB users.
Keyboard warriors, not brave enough to come and see me to ascertain the facts.