MeteoSwiss removes the possibility of writing comments on its blog articles. This decision was taken as a cost-saving measure but also due to the increase in “negative tone” comments.
The MeteoSwiss blog is the main communication channel of the Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology, it recalled on Monday. Every day, blogs are written on various topics relating to weather or climate. Since 2014, it has been possible to leave comments there, moderation being ensured by MétéoSuisse.
Over the last two years, the articles have given rise to more than 30,000 comments (including responses to concrete questions by bloggers). Of the comments received, around 8,000 were rejected because they did not correspond to “netiquette”.
Only a very small portion of the readership leaves comments. According to a study carried out in the spring by the Zurich University of Economics (HWZ), only around 15% of readers have written at least one comment on the MeteoSwiss blog.
Processing, activating and responding to blog comments takes a lot of time, explains MétéoSuisse. However, like all other federal offices, MeteoSwiss must implement the Confederation’s economic instructions.
Aggressive and negative tone
At the same time, comments have become more aggressive and negative, particularly over the past five years. Before 2020, the comments were mainly objective and constructive, notes MétéoSuisse.
Today, the comment function “is unfortunately increasingly used to spread conspiracy theories, hatred and intolerance.”
Comments sometimes no longer have any connection with the themes of the blog in question. They are sometimes of a personal nature, going as far as open insults towards employees of MétéoSuisse or the Confederation in general. It is therefore increasingly difficult to offer an objective, useful and enriching forum for all, regrets the office.
For these different reasons, the ability to write comments will be disabled on November 30. MeteoSwiss, however, remains active and reachable on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
This article was automatically published. Source: ats
