Abstract

The Guidelines for Commenting comprise a set of instructions produced by Helsingin Sanomat for its readers who participate in discussions about the newspaper’s articles on its website or social media channels. Since 2021, the newspaper has required commenters to use their real names to reduce the incidence of hostile or disruptive comments. The guidelines emphasize the goals of fair and constructive commenting: accuracy, reasoning for one’s opinions, polite language, and good manners. The guidelines also prohibit stigmatizing individuals based on religion, origin, or other personal characteristics.