Shaming on the internet

The effectiveness and the limitations of shaming

Synopsis

It is never ok to shame

Shaming is a deliberate violation of human value, and is lashon hara (defamation).
The goal of shaming is to do harm using verbal violence.

It is sometimes ok to shame

There are instances where shaming aims to solve a problem or prevent harm to society.
For example, one might say shameful things about one person in order to protect or warn another person

sources

Summary

Is it ever ok to shame someone in order to solve a problem or to prevent harm?

The Edited Issue

michael barmatz

Opening Discussion Opening Discussion (צפיה בדעה במקור)
Elazar Cramer

I agree with Maimonides. Words can really affect someone, and so it's important to avoid saying something or sharing information… I agree with Maimonides. Words can really affect someone, and so it's important to avoid saying something or sharing information that will have a negative effect on someone else, unless not doing so will have some other major negative consequence. (צפיה בדעה במקור)
Micah Rothkopf

I do not agree with Rabbi Yochanan . I think that his perspective is very biblical and ancient. During his… I do not agree with Rabbi Yochanan . I think that his perspective is very biblical and ancient. During his time, I think that this is appropriate, however now this is an impossible request. In the time of war, one must fight for what they believe and yet they are shaming and hurting others, but this is for a cause. This said, I still feel that we should--to the best of our abilities-- help others even if some harm may come to us, but this is based on how one judges the situation. (צפיה בדעה במקור)
Elazar Cramer

The Bright Side of Internet Shaming https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-bright-side-of-internet-shaming/ The Bright Side of Internet Shaming https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-bright-side-of-internet-shaming/ (צפיה בדעה במקור)
Elazar Cramer

'Vote shaming' Trump supporters is fair. What they have done is shameful https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/19/hamilton-mike-pence-trump-voters-safe-space 'Vote shaming' Trump supporters is fair. What they have done is shameful https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/19/hamilton-mike-pence-trump-voters-safe-space (צפיה בדעה במקור)
Matt Gluck

It is notable that it is still a serious violation of the law to say something "harmful" even if what… It is notable that it is still a serious violation of the law to say something "harmful" even if what one says is true. This really preaches the value of pure kindness which is so important. There is no need to say something harmful that may shame someone even if this is true. This will just make someone feel worse about their actions which they most likely already feel badly about. However, if this person does not know that his/her actions are harmful to others or themselves then I believe that it is important to tell this person that these actions are having a negative impact on people even if it may cause shame. When a situation escalates or becomes similar to this one each person must make his/her own judgement call while balancing competing values. (צפיה בדעה במקור)