Most of the social media headlines out there are about new developments, apps and the latest and greatest of the future. But what about when one of the most widely used social media platforms lays down the rules when it comes to hateful commentary? According to Mashable, “Twitter’s new rules explicitly crack down on ‘hateful conduct’” – and for many of us – that’s music to our ears.
“Twitter announced an update to its rules that clarify what the social media company considers “abusive behavior and hateful conduct.” Megan Cristina, Twitter’s director of Trust and Safety, made the announcement Tuesday in a post that said the company will not tolerate behavior designed to harass, intimidate or silence another user’s voice through fear.” (via Mashable)
No matter who you are or what you stand for, turning to social media to make hateful comments goes against the very principles of why social media was developed. Social media is there to create and online community, share ideas and find connections you never knew possible. But, over the years, it’s become a platform for political, religious and belief-based positioning – and sometimes it goes to a level that’s just not nice – and, who wants that? There’s a fine line between stating your opinion, expressing your beliefs or coming down on another human being for their beliefs. “As always, we embrace and encourage diverse opinions and beliefs — but we will continue to take action on accounts that cross the line into abuse,” Cristina wrote. (via Mashable)
We’ve updated our rules around abuse and hateful conduct https://t.co/XGBETsUk5h
— Safety (@safety) December 29, 2015
While some Twitter users still believe that the updated rules aren’t enough to make the change that needs to occur to make Twitter a “safe” space, all of these steps are certainly steps in the right direction. Here are some highlights from the newly updated rules:
Users cannot promote violence or directly attack and threaten people on the basis of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease. Accounts that violate this and other rules may be immediately suspended. (via Mashable)
What do you think of the updated Twitter rules? Is it enough to make Twitter a safe space?
