Understanding Skimbacks in Online Communities

Skimback is a term used in the context of online communities, particularly on social media platforms like Reddit. It refers to a type of comment that is intended to derail or disrupt a conversation, often by introducing an unrelated or inflammatory topic.

The word "skimback" is derived from the idea of skimming over the surface of a conversation without actually engaging with its substance. A skimback comment is typically made to distract from the original topic and redirect the conversation towards a different, often more controversial or divisive, subject.

For example, if someone is having a discussion about a recent news article, a skimback comment might be one that brings up an unrelated political issue or personal attack, rather than addressing the actual content of the article. The goal of a skimback is to derail the conversation and shift the focus away from the original topic, often by introducing a contentious or inflammatory issue that is unlikely to be resolved.

Skimbacks can be frustrating for participants in online communities, as they can disrupt the flow of a productive conversation and lead to unnecessary conflict. Moderators and community leaders may take steps to discourage skimbacks, such as removing comments that do not contribute to the topic at hand or blocking users who consistently engage in this type of behavior.