Tumblr May Block Self-Harm and “Thinspiration” Promotion

by: iCopywriter

How much say should a social network have in what its users are allowed to post, discuss and promote? It’s a question social giants like Facebook and Twitter have been grappling with for a while now, and spans issues from massive social upheaval in places like Egypt to violent words or images used in politically-oriented Facebook groups.

Relative newcomer Tumblr is tackling this issue head-on with a new policy it plans to implement in the coming weeks. The policy deals with Tumblr blogs that promote any kind of self-harm, from eating disorders to suicide attempts. Tumblr released a statement on its staff blog yesterday calling this sort of promotional material “just wrong,” and asking users what they think of the proposed policy, which would ban people from posting any text or images that urge users to “cut or mutilate themselves; embrace anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders; or commit suicide.”

Tumblr also plans to respond to certain search terms and keywords, especially those related to so-called “thinspiration” (material, usually images, that people use to help them become or stay anorexic or bulimic), with language encouraging users to seek the help of a resource agency for issues such as eating disorders or depression.

The reaction to these policy proposals from Tumblr users has been mixed. Understandably, many wonder who will decide what constitutes “promoting” certain behaviors, as opposed to just discussing them in an open way, and what criteria will be used. Others worry that the move could stifle the discussion of important and relevant issues like suicide and eating disorders in a space that’s meant to be safe and conducive to sharing. However, many people see this as a brave move on Tumblr’s part, and an opportunity for the social network to do some genuine good in the lives of its most troubled users.

What do you think? Is Tumblr overstepping its boundaries here? Or does it have the right and/or responsibility to block such content from its site? We'd love to hear from you!

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