Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
“You need to delete those comments.”
“Can you please turn off comments on that Facebook post?”
These are a few things we hear from time to time when certain stories are shared on Facebook, particularly ones about crimes. The most recent example was last week’s story of a 19-year-old arrested for a fatal hit and run.
Our team understands these concerns.
We want to take some time to respond to these concerns because we value your opinions. We also value transparency and communication.
Last week’s post, like many others before it, led to various comments from members of the public.
Some offered prayers for the victim and suspect. Some offered gossip and rumors. Others were just downright mean, judgmental and salacious.
Sadly, social media platforms like Facebook have made it too easy for anyone to post their opinion on anything. It doesn’t matter whether the information is true.
That’s why some have asked us to delete comments or just turn off commenting. The reality isn’t that simple.
Yes, we could delete every mean and nasty comment. But we don’t.
Why?
That could be seen by some as limiting free speech, which is a foundation of our democracy. It could also be seen as taking one side over another, whether it be the victim, the suspect, or law enforcement. That goes against our ethics, beliefs and standards as journalists, which include being unbiased and fair.
Being factual is also important. That’s why we do not include rumors and hearsay in our reporting. We only report information received by official sources.
We don’t delete every comment, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have procedures in place. We utilize Facebook’s filters to catch some derogatory comments. We also monitor comments, to the best of our ability, and delete any that go against our posted standards, particularly those that have vulgar language, threats, etc.
We also don’t turn off commenting.
Why?
Well, that also limits free speech and makes it look like we are trying to hide information or possibly protect one side.
It also doesn’t make us look credible and trustworthy. Would you trust a news organization – or any organization – that doesn’t allow commenting on certain posts?
We are the community’s main source for news and information. Our Facebook page is a place for the community to come together and communicate.
Also, turning off commenting wouldn’t turn off the gossip and comments. People would find another outlet for that, whether it be their own pages, people they run into around town, or other ways.
Just because we don’t delete every negative comment or simply turn off commenting, doesn’t mean we don’t care. It saddens us, just as it does many of you, to see the negativity some post online. These comments do nothing but cause division in our amazing little community.
Many people post comments on Facebook they’d likely never say to someone’s face. However, social media makes it easy and tempting to post our thoughts and opinions.
I was raised to treat others as I wish to be treated. I was also taught to keep my mouth shut if I didn’t have anything nice to say. The Boy Scout Law also taught me to be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. I try to remember those lessons and values whether I’m talking to someone face-to-face or online.
Over the weekend I was scrolling through Facebook and a video of Dolly Parton singing “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” popped up. I thought it was a poignant reminder for us all.
“Put a little love in your heart. And the world will be a better place. For you and me. Put a little love in your heart,” sang Dolly.
