The Student Room inhibits Freedom of Speech through moderation. Discuss.

But they all did PPE at Oxford and went to Eton.

I'll have you know that Mods range from left to right wing, range in age, religious beliefs and ethnicity.

This. TSR team are hypocrites, if there were any inflammatory remarks against a Jew or a Christian or any other religion or even Atheists then that thread would be taken down immediately and the OP probably banned as a result. But nope, it's about Islam and about Muslims, so its not the same. It's pathetic.

''Do not express discriminatory or otherwise offensive views. You know the kind of thing – there’s no place for racism, religious hatred, sexism or homophobia here.'' - yeah right. Just head to 'most popular' and have a look at if there's a real 'constructive' discussion going on, or whether it's pure sexism/islamophobia.

I keep on getting warnings for banter. Only if this forum was like bb misc.

Well, TSR is not bb misc. But I do know of a forum that is very much like bb misc, if it would interest you?

I believe that TSR fundamentally undermines the principle of Free Speech through the use of moderation to ban users (temporarily and permanently) who do not ascribe to their own views on conduct. Whilst these may sometimes be hostile remarks, we should nevertheless seek to uphold this ideal which we place so much emphasis on in our democratic society. It is a heinous act to inhibit free speech.

Moreover, I see hypocrisy on the part of TSR, where they do not ban posts or threads, such as inflammatory remarks to Islam, on the basis that it is a 'discussion'. Many of these threads can be upsetting to Muslims, just as a direct remark could be to somebody else regarding another issue. This is a shameful double standard, and should be addressed immediately.

And I absolutely agree about the remark regarding double standards. It's absolutely baffling and hysterical to see some of the threads that are allowed and approved. Those threads that are so far beyond offensive that leave you in a state of shock and bewilderment. Then at other times, one moderator might decide to ban someone on a whim, just like that, because they feel like it, without due consideration.

In short, TSR operates on a radical authoritarian regime.

The fact you say people are banned on a whim really undermines your argument as that is certainly not the process.

So, considering you're a 'Section Helper', are you professing that TSR is an entity which does not support Free Speech? The ironic stance of so many on here, who exclaim the repressive nature of Eastern Nations from the tops of their voices, and can't even have their say on an online forum (Unless it's mocking Islam, that's O.K!).

TSR is discriminating against certain groups.

Not really sure what you are saying.

It's not just about people being banned. It's all those silly yellow, purple and blue warning cards. What are they trying to do, make some sort of rainbow? Plenty of times I'll come on TSR and find that I've received a warning or some sort of penalty, and 4 times out of 5 I have absolutely no idea what I could have done to provoke the anger of a moderator, then I find out what the reason was and I just have to laugh to myself and shake my head.

this. I'm quite certain my last ban was just someone who had a grudge. refreshed the page and got 10 cards all at once lmao.
One of them was on a thread where I was being insulted and the OP was saying my mother is a terrible parent etc. because she wasn't a stay-at-home mum. Then when I made one reply calling the OP spoilt brat I get banned lel. But nah the OP didn't get banned because the mod probably agreed with her political views.

Got a blue card the last time I brought something like this up aswell so.
*awaits blue card*

this. I'm quite certain my last ban was just someone who had a grudge. refreshed the page and got 10 cards all at once lmao.
One of them was on a thread where I was being insulted and the OP was saying my mother is a terrible parent etc. because she wasn't a stay-at-home mum. Then when I made one reply calling the OP spoilt brat I get banned lel. But nah the OP didn't get banned because the mod probably agreed with her political views.

Got a blue card the last time I brought something like this up aswell so.
*awaits blue card*

LOL

That's exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. The moderation process seems to be completely haphazard and inconsistent, which obviously leads to a lot of people getting banned unfairly, and a lot of people can get away scot free even after posting something which is worthy of a ban.

Sometimes I think the moderators just flip a coin to decide whether to ban someone or not. Or maybe it's some sort of lottery.

I believe that TSR fundamentally undermines the principle of Free Speech through the use of moderation to ban users (temporarily and permanently) who do not ascribe to their own views on conduct. Whilst these may sometimes be hostile remarks, we should nevertheless seek to uphold this ideal which we place so much emphasis on in our democratic society. It is a heinous act to inhibit free speech.

Moreover, I see hypocrisy on the part of TSR, where they do not ban posts or threads, such as inflammatory remarks to Islam, on the basis that it is a 'discussion'. Many of these threads can be upsetting to Muslims, just as a direct remark could be to somebody else regarding another issue. This is a shameful double standard, and should be addressed immediately.

You can't even view the post you made when they give out cards lol.

Note: You can review your community record on your profile page or make a post in AAM

?

Yes but you can't see your actual original post that resulted in a card or ban. All you can see is blue card 'unconstructive post etc.' and thats it.

TSR is worse than Nazi Germany