In online communities, banning rule violators is a common measure for maintaining order. However, Discord is taking a more humane approach by believing in the possibility of rehabilitation and encouraging users to return to the community, rather than banning all offenders.
Discord’s Rehabilitation Philosophy: A Comprehensive Approach Based on Restorative Justice
Discord’s approach to rehabilitation goes beyond mere punishment, aiming to enhance the growth of offenders and the safety of the community as a whole. This philosophy is inspired by the principles of “restorative justice” in criminal justice, which emphasizes repairing harm and improving the relationship between offenders and the community, rather than punishment.
- Emphasis on Education: Discord carefully explains the specific violations to offenders and provides opportunities to deeply understand the community guidelines. For example, users who have made hate speech are given a detailed explanation of why their remarks were inappropriate and how they affect others, thereby promoting prevention of recurrence.
- Clear Punishment and Paths to Return: Gradual measures, such as warnings, temporary suspensions, and ultimately bans, are taken depending on the severity and frequency of the violations. At the same time, specific improvement measures that users should take at each stage are presented to support their return to the community. For example, for minor violations, users are asked to apologize and delete the violating content, and they are given specific measures to prevent recurrence, thereby encouraging users to make improvements proactively.
- Consideration of the Background to Violations: Discord considers the user’s intentions and circumstances and takes a lenient approach towards unintentional violations. For example, users who have made inappropriate remarks unintentionally due to differences in cultural backgrounds are given an explanation after understanding the background, providing an opportunity to resolve misunderstandings.
Empowering Users: A System to Promote Proactive Behavioral Change
Discord provides various mechanisms that allow users to reflect on their own actions and make improvements. This allows users to proactively work on changing their behavior rather than passively receiving punishment.
- Account Status Meter: This meter displayed on the dashboard visually displays the health of the account based on the user’s past activities. Users can check their status in real time, which enhances their motivation to improve.
- Gradual Measures and Ensuring Transparency: Discord takes gradual measures, such as warnings, temporary suspensions, and ultimately bans, depending on the severity and frequency of violations. By providing specific improvement measures to users at each stage and clearly conveying the punishment and future prospects for violations, transparency is ensured and users’ anxiety is reduced.
- Active Communication: Discord actively responds to questions and concerns from users and provides an environment where they can feel safe to speak. Moderators and support teams resolve users’ questions and concerns and provide support to deepen their understanding of community guidelines.
Banning is a Last Resort: Supporting Return to the Community and Growth
Discord considers banning a last resort and supports the rehabilitation and return of users to the community whenever possible. This approach aims not only to eliminate offenders, but also to allow them to grow and contribute as members of the community.
- Strict Action Against Serious Violations: Strict measures such as immediate bans are taken against serious violations such as violent extremism, harm to children, and sexual exploitation. This is a necessary measure to protect the safety and health of the community.
- Providing Opportunities for Rehabilitation: For minor violations or first-time violations, users are provided with opportunities for improvement through measures such as warnings or temporary suspensions. Through these opportunities, users can reflect on their own actions and reaffirm their responsibilities as members of the community.
- Building Positive Communities: By supporting the rehabilitation of users, Discord aims to build a safer, more inclusive, and vibrant community. This effort leads to the realization of a platform where everyone can participate safely and express themselves.
Summary: The Future Aimed at by Discord’s Comprehensive Efforts
Discord emphasizes rehabilitation over banning and provides an environment where users can proactively improve their behavior. It aims to achieve a safe and inclusive community through clear rules, gradual measures, and the ensuring of transparency.
This comprehensive effort not only restrains violations, but also contributes to the growth of users and the revitalization of the entire community. Discord will continue to listen to the voices of users and strive to become a better platform for everyone, while continuing to make improvements.