Removing Online Comments: Cleaning It Up or Shutting It Up?

Children should be seen and not heard. That’s one of my least favorite expressions. However, there are a few grownups that should follow that rule.

I was recently at a party discussing U.S. politics (not by choice). A gentleman was making some astounding comments and it took everything in my power to not blurt out, ‘Who invited you??’

Despite that, it did fuel a great conversation and an even greater debate. I may not have agreed with what that man was saying, but I respected his right to voice his ideas and loved the dialogue is created. The ability to openly discuss ideas and comment on those of others is an important thing.

So when I started reading about some well-known media sites disabling their comments section, it made me feel a little uneasy.

In response to increases in the negative commentary from online trolls, the Chicago-Sun Times, Reuters and Vice, just to name a few, have taken away the chance for public commentary on news stories. They have opted to leave such dialogue to the vast world of social media. The idea here is that the removal of comment sections rules out the chance for anonymous trolls to spread hate. Less hate and negativity online would be a welcome trend, for sure.

What's concerning, however, is that such a move could also stifle public conversation. There’s little room for debate that the internet needs to be cleaned up. The work of these anonymous online trolls does detract from quality dialogue. However, by silencing the voice of trolls don't we also run the risk of silencing our own?

I’m a student journalist and I’m proud to be the city editor of a student generated news webpage (and radio broadcast) called Kicker. We rely on the public to read and share our stories and get our messages out. We also rely on comments about each of our stories to help us as we grow into professional journalists and to keep us on track on what content to include in future stories. Our interaction with the public is essential.

Kicker has decided to moderate its comments and as such filter out the work of trolls. This allows the public to have a voice in what we write and play an active role in the news we provide, without fear of anonymous attack.

It allows the essential conversation and exchange of ideas to continue.

Isn’t that the point of journalism?

What do YOU think? Feel free to comment below:)