A thread in the pit about pro-anorexic web sites has combined in my head with other web sites that promote either false ideas or dangerous health conditions in a positive light.
A huge number of websites exist that offer false information, everything from racial hate groups to chemtrail paranoia groups. These seem to re-enforce faulty thinking and drive their members a little farther from reality on a daily basis.
It seems to me that with the advent of the internet it is easier for folks who are suffering from an affliction to find comfort in the company of others who are in a similar plight. This is certainly can be a good thing as folks such as those suffering from cancer have someone who knows exactly what that person is going through to talk with. But what about communities that group together to re-enforce unhealthy ideas or false information? And can anything be done about such sites without endangering privacy or free speech rights?
(I apologize in advance if I have misused the term “mentally disturbed.” I do not know if anorexia is diagnosed in such a manner and I realize that I have used a broad brush to paint a host of varying groups that are in no way related to each other except in their use of the web to bond their individual group more tightly together and to spread misinformation or harmful information.)
It’s sad that many people have a tendency to put themselves into a social echo chamber. The internet makes that easier with some things, but it’s a hardly a tendency that began with it.
Nope. Free speech includes unpleasant speech, by definition, or it’s worthless.
I find that the internet is highly useful for raving nutjobs like myself. It has even taught me how to block the alien mind control rays (see link) Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie
I am a firm believer in taking everything I read as fact.
Other media that help me develop my various pschoses are television, talk radio, paper back books, supermarket tabloids, and scientology pamphlets.
Please don’t take these away from me. Nutcases deserve freedom of the press too.
-Beeblebrox
“He stood up straight and looked the world squarely in the fields and hills. To add weight to his words he stuck the rabbit bone in his hair. He spread his arms out wide. `I will go mad!’ he announced.”
When does bad information make someone mentally disurbed? Your points about racists and others are simply about misinformation.
The only thing that can be done is someone showing that their information is better. Removing their freedom of speech only gives them an equal chance for them to remove yours.
Let’s narrow the op down a bit and drop out the subject of hate groups and conspiracy theorists. It is my opinion that these groups have just as much right to free speech as anyone else.
Instead let’s focus in on groups of people who may not be healthy enough to make rational decisions about their health and who are encouraging others to make the same irrational health decisions that they are. It is unlikely that such websites will allow a venue for opposition. If a website promotes the idea that it is possible to live on less calories a day than is actually possible should someone be allowed to step in and disrupt that speech?
I don’t think that form of speech can or should be suppressed unless the person is claiming to be a doctor. In that case, I believe they can and should be investigated for malpractice and or fraud.
I do agree with you that these types of sites (especially the pro-ana sites that prompted this thread) probably do serve as a sort of positive reinforcement for unhealthy behavior. Like several others have pointed out, though, these folks are going to search out that type of reinforcement.
I don’t think limiting this form of speech is the answer. I beleive that at least part of the answer lies in trying to provide good information that refutes the misinformation. Also, people will have to hope that loved ones will be able to get through to the people who are being encouraged by this.