Deletionist refers to an individual or group that supports or practices deletionism, which is the belief or advocacy for the permanent removal or deletion of particular content or information, often from public platforms like online forums, social media, or encyclopedic sources.
Deleting content is typically based on various criteria, such as its perceived irrelevance, lack of reliability, or violation of community guidelines or norms. Deletionists argue that removing unnecessary or inappropriate information helps maintain quality and accuracy, promotes a positive user experience, and safeguards the integrity of platforms or knowledge repositories.
Deletionist attitudes and behaviors can be seen in moderation practices, where they actively or systematically delete or remove content deemed undesirable or unconstructive. This may involve deleting spam, duplicate or redundant posts, off-topic discussions, inappropriate or offensive material, or unsourced or poorly substantiated claims.
Deletionists often believe that by eliminating unnecessary content, platforms can provide a more streamlined and valuable experience for users, focusing on essential or verified information. They argue that maintaining high standards for content quality is crucial for the credibility and usability of platforms, as it allows for efficient access to reliable information and contributes to productive discussions.
However, deletionists can face opposition from those who advocate for inclusivity, diversity of perspectives, or preserving historical records. Critics argue that deletionism can lead to censorship, bias, or exclusion of valuable content, and might disregard the importance of long-tail or niche information. Ultimately, the deletionist approach reflects a desire to maintain quality control and relevancy within digital ecosystems.
