It has become increasingly common for people to ‘name and shame’ on social media after a bad experience. We asked our readers how they feel about this practice.

Lori Batista – It is illegal to name and shame in South Africa. Follow the proper channels to resolve issues. One can get into nasty expensive trouble for naming and shaming.

Everton Duba – It’s really depends on the case, if for instance you received very bad service from a particular business then yes, it is good to say it loud so that everyone can be warned not go to that particular business and get the same bad service you got.

Marlene Retief – People are too quick to name and shame and there is always three sides to a story so my answer is no.

Gillian Schmidt – Instead of naming and shaming, because complaints can be subjective. Why not use a recommendation model so that the good businesses can rise to the top.

Gugu Kenselina – Depends on whether [you have] tried to resolve with the business to no avail. However, if a business scams a person it’s in public interest for everyone to know, so they do not fall in the same trap.

Bernhard Schweighofer – Narcissistic behaviour is a very weak way to discredit [a person] or business for self gratification. One bad social media post gets so many unrelated people up in arms through mindless mass behaviour. Then the person making the comment simply carries on without consequence which makes them pathetic. Go direct, keep it private and make face to face without social media support.

Victor Hugo – No public complaining should be allowed however I feel there should be an ombudsman to complain to.

Viljoens de Meyersdal – I would say try to resolve privately. But there are businesses which need to be exposed to prevent further issues. I have had numerous contractors, both in Jhb and Ballito who have taken me for a ride. They prey on the man in the street and their lack of knowledge in their field, and have smooth tongues. These people should be exposed.

Stacey Quarmby – It’s 100% defamation in the eyes of the law. And once it’s in social media it can’t be taken down. Never name and shame. Sort out privately. If you can’t, small claims court or ombudsman.

Gareth Woodford – Rather post happy stories about good service and products.

Yma Borsei – Personally I think it depends on the case or situation. We experienced a bad situation with a car dealer here in Italy. They had our car for 7 months, they never kept me updated etc. Long story short, we eventually wrote a post, splashed it all over Facebook. We received a call from them early the next morning. Our car was taken to another dealer at our request the very next morning. They said they would do it if we removed our posts. So yes, in this case it did help our desperate situation.

Laurie Dale – There is a difference between resolving a problem – which should be done privately – and giving a review.
Surely, people have a right to review a company or business – same like you would a hotel or accommodation. Not to resolve an issue, but to put honest feedback out there that may be useful to others.

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