Paddy Pimblett shares his idea to reduce hate and trolling on social media
UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett has consistently maintained that he shares a love-hate relationship with social media. On one hand, the 27-year-old's detractors have time and again criticized him for the purportedly incendiary comments he makes on social media platforms.
Alternatively, Pimblett's supporters consistently highlight that he partakes in charity work and serves as an advocate for mental health on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, etc. On that note, 'The Baddy' has now put forth an idea that he believes could help reduce hate and trolling on social media.
Speaking to TSN Sports' Aaron Bronsteter, Paddy Pimblett proposed that to use social media platforms, people should have to provide official identification (ID) or similar legal documentation. He indicated that this would remove the anonymity factor and that people would be held accountable for the offensive comments they make online.
Pimblett noted that he doesn't care when people talk trash about him on social media, but he disapproves of the hate and trolling being directed at his team, family, or friends. The UFC superstar stated:
"It [social media] is obviously brilliant to get our profiles out there and get responses and stuff. But I'm a big advocate that [for] social media, you should have to register a card or an ID. And if you say something racist, homophobic, anything along them lines; then you get called upon it."
Aaron Bronsteter chimed in and asked whether Paddy Pimblett was indeed suggesting that taking the anonymity factor out of social media would help decrease online trolling and hate. Pimblett replied by saying:
"Yeah, exactly. That's what needs to happen with social media because some of the comments, the hate that I see, they're disgusting."
Watch Pimblett discuss the topic at 0:58 in the video below:
Paddy Pimblett on his hope to work with Jared Gordon on mental health initiatives following their co-main event tonight.
Full interview: tsn.ca/ufc/video/pimb… https://t.co/UkV5KnM2Ge
Paddy Pimblett on why he doesn't want his Twitter account back
Paddy Pimblett is set to face Jared Gordon in a lightweight bout at tonight's UFC 282 event. During a fight week media scrum earlier this week, the Liverpudlian spoke about his highly-anticipated upcoming matchup, whilst also addressing his issues with a prominent social media platform.
The platform in question happens to be Twitter. Paddy Pimblett claimed that he didn't want Twitter to lift the ban they'd placed on his account. He alleged that people often dig up old tweets from his account, misinterpret them, and misrepresent him online. 'The Baddy' said:
"Nah, I don't want Twitter back, lad. Twitter's a cesspit. Twitter gets me in trouble. People interpret things that I say and twist it and make it sound like I've said something I haven't and make me look bad when I've never said any of those things."
Watch Pimblett's assessment at 0:25 in the video below: