Facebook gives tips on handling Group comments, posts during social unrest

With the rising number of hate messages on social media and authorities taking action in real life regarding racism and protests happening everywhere in the US, it has become more than important how social media websites handle the related content, specially when it comes to groups and communities. Facebook, being at the forefront of it, has recommended some tips on how one can use Facebook tools in groups to navigate community conversations through race and social issues.

“We’ve pulled together some initial recommendations on how to start engaging in these conversations and support your members - these are by no means comprehensive and are meant to be a starting point,” adds Facebook on the web page.

Know about the topic before taking action

In a Facebook Group, it is suggested that one should be well-versed with the topic that is being discussed by users before engaging with it or shutting down the conversation. One should show interest for such topics like he/she shows for others. Doing research always helps.

Admin or moderator team should include someone that represents impacted communities

This will result in more diverse voices and not an overall view of the group steering into a single direction. “Make room on your admin and moderator teams for more diverse voices – post in your group and see which members are interested in joining the team and working together to improve and grow your community,” adds Facebook.

Also read: How messaging technology is helping fuel global protests

Following rules are important

Before posting anything in a Facebook group, members should be aware of the group’s rules and if such posts can be published or not. Admin or moderators can share specific examples of what kind of posts shouldn’t be shared in the group.

Post approvals can help admins maintain hygiene in Facebook groups

Using post approvals can really help moderators to eliminate bad actors from posting content that triggers arguments on controversial matters.

Host your own discussions and threads

It is possible to host a discussion on one thread that you yourself post and moderate. This will let people talk about these issues, but in a direction that adheres to your group rules.

Also read: Facebook, Instagram disable Trump video tribute to Floyd over copyright complaint

Moderate the content in a group 24x7

Moderating a group and all its posts with comments can be difficult as you won’t be online all the time. Hence, it is always better to create a team and set a schedule so at least one member is active during off hours. It is possible to turn off comments for certain hours if in case the admin thinks things will be easier to manage.

Keyword alerts

This can be a very useful tool for admins as they can be alerted when someone uses a particular phase or a word in comments or posts. If the word or phrase is banned from being used, the post can be taken down immediately.

And as always, you can remove or ban the user who tries to repeatedly violate the rules

This might be the last resort for admins but a rather effective one with a permanent solution.