Response to Forum Threads About Self Harm

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Posted by Figment Moderator over 2 years ago

We appreciate your concern about recent forum trends and we wanted to clarify our position. Figment does not discourage conversation and discourse about serious and difficult subjects. We're not deleting threads simply for containing reference to self-harm. We know that Figment has become a place where people have a support system and it is important that you feel comfortable discussing what's going on in your life. When, however, this manifests in threads that reference being currently or actively engaged in personal abuse or that threaten to engage in such abuse, we feel we must respond. This is better discussed in a community of educated, knowledgeable, and trained care professionals who can provide the assistance needed. Threads about cutting in general will not be removed.

Last updated over 2 years ago
  1. Meface2

    over 2 years ago kyla denae replied:

    "We're not deleting threads simply for containing reference to self-harm."
    Yes, you are.
    Stop lying to us.
    Kthxbai.

  2. Jokermau5

    over 2 years ago Anonymau5 replied:

    ^^
    SO CALLED THIS!

    I also love how this was posted under 'Figment Moderator'

    Last updated over 2 years ago
  3. Photoshoot 063

    over 2 years ago ♡ Mandee & the Diamonds ♡ replied:

    Lol at this.

  4. Moonwalking

    over 2 years ago Rwar replied:

    " When, however, this manifests in threads that actively reference personal abuse or that threaten abuse, we feel we must respond."
    Since when?
    This has been going on forever, and all of a sudden you decide you don't like it.
    So what if people reach out to Figment for the support they need, but can't receive offline?
    We do have freedom of speech.
    /justsayin

  5. Emily 2

    over 2 years ago Emily Steele replied:

    Hey Kyla-

    If you feel that a thread has been deleted that shouldn't have been, please bring it to my attention at emily@figment.com.

  6. 537083_10150706073369176_722344175_9122548_1679686316_n_large

    over 2 years ago Alexandrie Delacour replied:

    I find it amusing when they use "Figment Moderator" to avoid any concentrated hate on a particular mod.

    People are still going to blame the new mods, like merzi and Leigh.

    Last updated over 2 years ago
  7. Yay

    over 2 years ago Insanity replied:

    "We're not deleting threads simply for containing reference to self-harm."

    "When, however, this manifests in threads that actively reference personal abuse or that threaten abuse, we feel we must respond."
    _____________________________________________________________________________

    I'm sorry...but I'm a little bit confused, here. So you say that you aren't deleting them simply for references to self harm, but then you will for personal abuse or threatened abuse.

    I'm on the verge of understanding this, but I could use a little help. Would you mind giving me an example of a type of thread that you would delete, and one that you wouldn't?

    Is it just like...we can talk about cutting as long as WE aren't cutting or threatening to cut?

  8. Jokermau5

    over 2 years ago Anonymau5 replied:

    Helena, the old mods didn't have anything as pathetic as this. They knew what they were doing and when they had an issue, manned up and faced Figment.

    I said it earlier, no response from the Figment can or will justify their actions as no reason makes sense.

  9. Rome

    over 2 years ago Kennedy V. Lang replied:

    Deleting threads does absolutely nothing. When mine was deleted, guess what? I felt worse. You're getting rid of the comments our friends post that help us. And that, in my opinion, does not seem like you're trying to fix the problem at all.

  10. Drawpad

    over 2 years ago Think 'Bout That replied:

    You guys have to understand that having people continually say they want to kill themselves isn't exactly all too appropriate, and Figment has a point; you should seek out professionals for that kind of advice. It is nice to have people try to make you feel better, but there comes a point when it is just becoming to serious and something has to be done. When hundreds of people are posting stuff like that- you have to take action. Although it is harsh to delete all ties to those posts and not have those people seek help by reporting them to help: In my opinion is very reckless and could be making things worse for those people. In stead of criticizing; look at it from both views.

  11. Emily 2

    over 2 years ago Emily Steele replied:

    @Helena-
    We use the Figment Moderator account to make it clear that it's not one mod or another who is expressing this. It's Figment (even though that makes us sound really Big Bad Corporation :P).

    @Insanity-

    Discussing how you've cut in the past or if you've had friends who have experienced it or discussing why someone would cut is all fine. When someone posts about currently hurting his or her self, though, or threatens to do so, we feel we must take action.

  12. Bunny 13

    over 2 years ago Lydia Montagna replied:

    The mods are right.
    Ashlee is right.
    It's not as though they don't care. But this site does have its own rules for its own good.

  13. Jokermau5

    over 2 years ago Anonymau5 replied:

    Think 'Bout That-Do what your name says.
    Not everyone needs a professional, and not everyone can go to a professional. Saying so is assuming the person has told someone they trust (like a parent usually) who can take them/afford a therapist.
    How many people do you know that actually go to their parents when they have such an issue?

  14. Meface2

    over 2 years ago kyla denae replied:

    Emily, how is deleting their threads "taking action"?
    To be clear, I'm referencing the threads made by Adelman last night, that were deleted.
    Because, apparently, she had the audacity to need help.

  15. Jokermau5

    over 2 years ago Anonymau5 replied:

    Emily-"take action" should not mean remove the post allowing no help to come, that is an absolutely beyond pathetic thing to do.

  16. Yay

    over 2 years ago Insanity replied:

    Hmmm...okay.

    What if we're talking about friends who are going through it now, and trying to find ways to help them?

    For the record, I, nor any of my friends in real life, have ever gone through anything like this (As far as I know) But I would quite like to understand the rules completely.

  17. Drawpad

    over 2 years ago Think 'Bout That replied:

    Anonymous- There are FREE websites you can go to and FREE hot-lines where you can anonymously talk to people FOR FREE. No one has to find out about any of this, and I'm aware most people don't go to parent's for help. And you don't necessarily need to go see a therapist. If you're reaching out through cyberspace, you mine as well reach out to free places on the internet that can professionally help you for free.

  18. Rome

    over 2 years ago Kennedy V. Lang replied:

    Deleting is quite the opposite of taking action.

  19. Emily 2

    over 2 years ago Emily Steele replied:

    @Anonymous-

    I want to reiterate that this is coming from Figment as a unit, not from one mod or another. I'm sorry you don't feel our response is adequate, but we did want to clarify. It doesn't help anyone if we're unclear.

  20. Tumblr_mb7gzurkiq1rvvm2mo1_400

    over 2 years ago Zina replied:

    I completely agree with Kyla and Kennedy.
    This thread is interesting.

  21. Emily 2

    over 2 years ago Emily Steele replied:

    To clarify-

    We delete the threads and immediately email the user who posted the thread with a list of free, online resources that we urge them to utilize. Figment is a great support system, but when someone is actively engaging in self-harm, they require professional attention that Figment can't provide.

  22. Tumblr_mb7gzurkiq1rvvm2mo1_400

    over 2 years ago Zina replied:

    If someone is cutting, it makes them feel worse if you delete their thread and ban them from talking about their struggle.

    Last updated over 2 years ago
  23. Photoshoot 063

    over 2 years ago ♡ Mandee & the Diamonds ♡ replied:

    I'm going to try to break the moderator’s post down.

    "Figment does not discourage conversation and discourse about serious and difficult subjects."

    But you delete the threads?

    " We're not deleting threads simply for containing reference to self-harm. "

    But you are. You deleted so many threads about suicide, cutting, and self-harm. We weren't even trying to promote it.

    "We know that Figment has become a place where people have a support system and it is important that you feel comfortable discussing what's going on in your life."

    Agreed.

    "This is better discussed in a community of educated, knowledgeable, and trained care professionals who can provide the assistance needed. "

    Some people do not want to go to therapists or any professional help.

    When people post about cutting/suicidal experiences, we usually try to help them.

    Why do you delete the thread when we try to help and give advice?

    Deleting threads and shoving suicide prevention numbers won't help.
    It just makes us feel worse.

    I understand where you’re coming from, Mods. But I’m offended how you delete the threads like you’re trying to cover up some ridiculous lie. Figment has its own rules. But lately I’ve found Figment to be more controlling. I just think that you have the right to delete the threads but don’t delete our freedom too. Soon we’re not going to be able to post profanity on threads any more or even writing for that matter. We came to Figment for writing how we express ourselves and the GenRan helps us do that. A lot of users including me rant and tell other people our problems. Other users comfort us and give us advice from their own personal experience. What I’m trying to say is cutting or suicide shouldn’t be a sensitive topic to be discussed. It shouldn’t be the reason why you delete a thread. --- I think this is the most important reason why people are offended.

    Just my thoughts and opinions.

    Last updated over 2 years ago
  24. Rome

    over 2 years ago Kennedy V. Lang replied:

    @Emily: Like I said, you're getting rid of the support system in the first place. What our friends post helps us.

  25. Ldrbee

    over 2 years ago . replied:

    Ashlee` and by removing it's sending those who are looking for help or support a big "FUCK YOU AND FUCK OFF."

    Like I said before, it's a lose/lose situation.

  26. Frogwithlight

    over 2 years ago Gamayun replied:

    "list of free, online resources that we urge them to utilize"

    No, you don't. You send them links to suicide support helplines. Not all cutters are suicidal and not all suicidal people cut. Assuming self harm and suicidal behavior are the same thing is extremely unhelpful and displays a fundamental misunderstanding of the motivations behind both actions.

    It's not just unhelpful, it's offensive and more importantly, dangerous. You're taking someone in a very vulnerable position and pushing suicide to the front of their mind.

    I'm not going to try and argue you into changing your policy on the threads, but when you're actively making the situation worse just by being uninformed it becomes a serious problem. Please change the links you send to self harm resources, not suicide ones.

  27. Emily 2

    over 2 years ago Emily Steele replied:

    Discussing feelings and experiences is not prohibited from Figment, and we encourage users to turn to each other instead of to abuse. The moment that abuse occurs, however, Figment is inadequate to provide the professional, medical help needed. By deleting threads and reaching out, we hope to connect users to people who can provide the immediate care required.

  28. Meface2

    over 2 years ago kyla denae replied:

    Gamayun raises a valid point, though. You're taking people who are already emotionally hurting and pushing what may seem like the most viable, easy way to get out of that hurt to the front of their minds. You've put suicide into their thoughts--rather than, say, a friendly, personal message.

    You've also cut them off from the only source of said friendly, personal message by shoving them off the forums.

  29. Frogwithlight

    over 2 years ago Gamayun replied:

    "Why are people so afraid for drug addicts?"

    People worry about people using drugs because it is really freaking dangerous. You can't really think health issues with drugs like heroin are a minor part of the problem. You know taking a hit is often instantly fatal, right?

    Last updated over 2 years ago
  30. Gays on pianos 3

    over 2 years ago Shock! replied:

    But the response to self abuse is not, "Stop talking about it."

    Because quite frankly the reason many, many people cut is because they can't talk about it. Because they can't tell people they're hurting, because they can't get the help they need.

    You say that the instant self abuse occurs Figment is no longer helpful. But that is wildly untrue. There is this concept called emotional needs. We have mental needs and physical needs, but also emotional ones. Even as these people are suffering problems with their mental needs, they are ALSO suffering problems with their emotional needs. While only a professional psychologist can help with the mental needs, only friends like those people have on Figment can help with emotional needs.

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