MHK speaks out on social media abuse and online culture

Rushen MHK says threats and hostility reflect wider challenges in digital discourse

Rushen MHK Michelle Haywood has spoken about her experiences of online abuse, describing it as "tiresome".

Speaking on Manx Radio’s Mannin Line, Dr Haywood says she believes the Isle of Man has a particularly strong culture of engagement on platforms such as Facebook, which can shape how public debate takes place.

She suggests that while online discussion can be valuable, it is often not "honest and genuine and respectful", and thinks attempts to challenge that behaviour can themselves provoke further abuse.

Dr Haywood told Manx Radio she has received threats directed at both herself and her children.

She says she finds it difficult to understand why some individuals engage in such behaviour, particularly given what she described as the Island's strong community life and opportunities outside of online spaces.

She also highlights what she sees as the self-reinforcing nature of social media, describing it as an “echo chamber”.

In response to the abuse, Dr Haywood said she has reduced her engagement online and taken steps to moderate her own social media presence, including blocking or hiding abusive comments.

However, she maintains she is willing to debate policy and political decision-making.

Dr Haywood believes there has been a shift in public discourse since the Covid-19 pandemic, arguing that the period contributed to increased levels of anger and mistrust: