It’s been very busy in my forum since the last time I posted. I
decided to remove myself from two groups:
30 something moms and Newcomers mom club. I didn’t find anything in
those groups relevant to my life and interests.
I did, however, find a lot of positive and negative postings in my other groups, especially in the Mom Confessions group. In this group, there’s all kinds of issues/topics that arise- abortion, getting divorced for having a hot-temper, acting like a mom and not a teenager, etc. I find the most diverse digital citizenship posts in this group even if I can’t relate to much of what’s on topic. The post about abortion really upset me. I'm pro-life and value each and every child as God's blessing! I didn't respond to this post but read through all the other posts. Shockingly, there were very supportive moms to this lady's choice of abortion. There was even a lady who told another lady to "shut up" because she can make her own decisions. These two ladies went back and forth three times. The original poster included herself in their discussion trying to defend herself. It's appalling that I didn't see one post that gave really good advice like seeking additional counseling from a professional or a church member. The conversation got as far as the original poster being accused as a troll, which she defended herself by saying that she had been on this forum for three years.
I read these topics to my husband and it surprises him that women bring these issues up online in forums. He wonders why they don't turn to a friend or family member. I wonder the same thing. But then I realize, these ladies must be moms with trust issues or loneliness? Regardless of the reasons, it is nice to know that there are forums out on the web for moms who need someone to listen to them. I've noticed that I haven’t come across many Christian moms. Hmmmm…..
I did, however, find a lot of positive and negative postings in my other groups, especially in the Mom Confessions group. In this group, there’s all kinds of issues/topics that arise- abortion, getting divorced for having a hot-temper, acting like a mom and not a teenager, etc. I find the most diverse digital citizenship posts in this group even if I can’t relate to much of what’s on topic. The post about abortion really upset me. I'm pro-life and value each and every child as God's blessing! I didn't respond to this post but read through all the other posts. Shockingly, there were very supportive moms to this lady's choice of abortion. There was even a lady who told another lady to "shut up" because she can make her own decisions. These two ladies went back and forth three times. The original poster included herself in their discussion trying to defend herself. It's appalling that I didn't see one post that gave really good advice like seeking additional counseling from a professional or a church member. The conversation got as far as the original poster being accused as a troll, which she defended herself by saying that she had been on this forum for three years.
I read these topics to my husband and it surprises him that women bring these issues up online in forums. He wonders why they don't turn to a friend or family member. I wonder the same thing. But then I realize, these ladies must be moms with trust issues or loneliness? Regardless of the reasons, it is nice to know that there are forums out on the web for moms who need someone to listen to them. I've noticed that I haven’t come across many Christian moms. Hmmmm…..
It sounds like you really are coming across some hot topics in your forum. I think seeing the positive and negative digital citizenship, helps up really become aware of the type of person we want to be and the kind of digital citizenship we want to maintain in our forums. Your forum seems like there is a wide variety of groups, some helpful or interesting and some not so much. I understand where it's hard to believe that some women air own their dirty laundry online, but I think it may be the only outlet they have to get some trying information off their chests. I continue to look forward to seeing what else you find in your forum.
ReplyDeleteWow Shirley! Sounds like you found the hot spot for all types of digital citizenship! I agree it is surprising to see women divulging such personal information online. But I agree with Jessica, it may be the only place they feel they can reveal things and hide behind a blog name. I am also saddened to see that when such serious issues are discussed more moms aren't supportive or suggest ideas like your own. Maybe your next experiment on the forum could be to start a section for Christian moms? It would be interesting to see what the digital citizenship looked like in there.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting that mothers discussing such controversial issues so openly online. I also agree with Jessica...It seems like this forum may be the only place that they feel comfortable talking about these issues. Maybe they are seeking some type of affirmation of their thoughts or actions. Shannon raises an interesting suggestion about starting a section on the forum for Christian mothers. It would be interesting to see if digital citizenship is different in a group dedicated to moms who share similar morals and a Christian worldview.
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