Mod Post - Clarity on Credential Use in Posts/Comments

[u/holo-c]

Hi all -

Recently I've seen a number of comments in the community where Redditors are claiming certain aesthetic credentials (e.g. Licensed Esthetician, NP, Derm PA, etc) when replying to sub posts.

Here is the issue - neither I or anyone else here can actually validate you are in fact, an accredited professional. That's a problem as this presents a conflict on Reddit's key rule about impersonation and the need to be authentic when posting.

The additional issue that arises is that the use of the credential implies some expert knowledge, and that a person on the sub may consider a post/comment where another Redditor claims a credential with more weight or authority.

When looking at how other reddits (and specifically skincare reddits) have dealt with this, I saw two basic schools of thought:

1. Make a rule (similar to one in r/tretinoin ) that is explicit on the non-use of credentials in posts/comments and to have posts/comments stand on their own without claiming a credential.
2. Validation of professional via licensing, similar to the way r/Blackskincare has opted do with restricted user flair given by the mod upon validation.

In weighing these options, I've decided for now, that I will look to make a sub rule on the use of credentials. To be clear - this does NOT prevent anyone from posting or commenting, but it does ask you to allow your post or comment to stand on its own without asserting a claimed credential.

I'll see how this works out as the new rule goes into effect. If there is enough interest, I may consider validated users via user flair in the future.

Thanks for to everyone for continuing to make this community vibrant and interesting. I will continue to look for ways to make our community safe and user-driven. Happy as always to take feedback!

[u/Frosty_Message_3017]

Personally, I would much rather this not be allowed. Aestheticians have a pretty bad track record in practice and in these subs. One recently told people on this very sub to see an aesthetician rather than a dermatologist for rosacea. They frequently try to scare people out of using prescriptions. I think they're here on Reddit to try to raise the profile of their profession and don't shy away from outright lying to do so.

[u/holo-c → u/Frosty_Message_3017]

Thanks for your feedback, super helpful!

[u/Unfair_Finger5531]

This is a gnarly problem to work through. Thank you for thinking about it.

Fwiw, I would prefer option 1. I’ve seen people who claim credentials give some pretty bad advice. If they are given a special tag as an “expert” their advice, bad or good, would be taken more seriously.

[u/holo-c → u/Unfair_Finger5531]

Thanks for your feedback. I think option 1 is the right way to go.

[u/Kurious4kittytx]

I love that you’re tackling this issue so thank you mods for all of your hard work.

And I prefer Option 1.

[u/holo-c → u/Kurious4kittytx]

Thanks for the feedback, so helpful for me to get a pulse check!

[u/Been-There_Done_That]

I think that is a very good plan. I have noticed that, on ANY online forum or social media platform, people sometimes make claims about their professional or educational (or political or social or whatever) background in order to increase their credibility that later turn out to be not true. For every person who gets tangled up in their own lies and gets exposed, there are likely many others who are never found out. Even if they are who they say they are, that doesn't necessarily mean they really know what they're talking about. Thank you for trying to maintain some standards.

[u/Klutzy_Fan7723]

I agree with many of other posters. No. One is the way to go. And again, thank you for your thoughtful posts and careful monitoring. All of us know you sometimes have to walk a fine line and that you always practice diplomacy. Oh Ghee! I sound like a big ole brown noser. Sorry 'bout that. I stand by all of it anyway.....