VoWW Interview #20 - Sanjana Gulati
Overview
"Voices of West Windsor" is a joint project between the Historical Society and SR Mosaic to fill in the gaps in our records of our town's history. We interview contemporary inhabitants of groups not typically found in our archives so that future residents can get a perspective decades later - much like how our perspectives of old West Windsor were obtained through interviews of longtime residents in the past.
Since 2013, the WWP Peeps Facebook group has arguably functioned as one of our town's largest forums. With over 11,000 members, there is seemingly nonstop discourse on a variety of topics ranging from COVID-19 to local politics to municipal updates, and much more. This week, Voices of West Windsor sits down with Sanjana Gulati, the forum's administrator, to discuss how she moderates the page and the changes and dynamics in local public discourse she has seen over the years.
"Voices of West Windsor" is a joint project between the Historical Society and SR Mosaic to fill in the gaps in our records of our town's history. We interview contemporary inhabitants of groups not typically found in our archives so that future residents can get a perspective decades later - much like how our perspectives of old West Windsor were obtained through interviews of longtime residents in the past.
Since 2013, the WWP Peeps Facebook group has arguably functioned as one of our town's largest forums. With over 11,000 members, there is seemingly nonstop discourse on a variety of topics ranging from COVID-19 to local politics to municipal updates, and much more. This week, Voices of West Windsor sits down with Sanjana Gulati, the forum's administrator, to discuss how she moderates the page and the changes and dynamics in local public discourse she has seen over the years.
Talking Points:
(On the changes she has seen in how the township has handled online discourse)
Its just getting better. It started as a simple community forum informing about the garbage, lost dog etc. The Peeps community took the shape as it is today around the time of the elections three to four years ago. There was a time that we did have to shut down the community due to the negativity in the discussions. But over the time, it has started to come along. Most of the time, people have been using it very responsibly, which makes the job of a moderator much easier.
I am so thankful that there are so many people who help me behind the scene as well and try to keep a watch and report messaged to me. I must acknowledge all of them when they are looking out for me whether they have met me or not.
(On how she has seen community members come together amid the 2020/2021 COVID crisis)
People on the forum have been great during the crisis. There were instances when people left their refrigerators and charging ports outside their homes or in the backyards so that others could use them. Everyone was welcome to friends and strangers alike through these acts of kindness. Everyone stepped up to help each other.
(On what qualifies as a post/comment that goes too far)
Language and tone convey much more along with the message. Considering that we have a lot of high-schoolers, middle-schoolers, and young people on the community now, we must refrain from sexist language, racist attitudes, curse words, etc. When multiple people report on a message, I must step in as it is likely hurting others. Being mindful and watchful helps keeping a discussion amongst the people. Be respectful and being nice helps everyone.
()n how she thinks West Windsor residents can come together and build one other up instead of tearing one another down)
In within West Windsor we have multiple groups and they are all doing great. But unfortunately, we do not see the different groups coming together. We are pretty much clustered. Brandi Hubert worked with me in tying to create a community program once a month to bring in everyone together. But this is still an area where we need to work harder.
(On the changes she has seen in how the township has handled online discourse)
Its just getting better. It started as a simple community forum informing about the garbage, lost dog etc. The Peeps community took the shape as it is today around the time of the elections three to four years ago. There was a time that we did have to shut down the community due to the negativity in the discussions. But over the time, it has started to come along. Most of the time, people have been using it very responsibly, which makes the job of a moderator much easier.
I am so thankful that there are so many people who help me behind the scene as well and try to keep a watch and report messaged to me. I must acknowledge all of them when they are looking out for me whether they have met me or not.
(On how she has seen community members come together amid the 2020/2021 COVID crisis)
People on the forum have been great during the crisis. There were instances when people left their refrigerators and charging ports outside their homes or in the backyards so that others could use them. Everyone was welcome to friends and strangers alike through these acts of kindness. Everyone stepped up to help each other.
(On what qualifies as a post/comment that goes too far)
Language and tone convey much more along with the message. Considering that we have a lot of high-schoolers, middle-schoolers, and young people on the community now, we must refrain from sexist language, racist attitudes, curse words, etc. When multiple people report on a message, I must step in as it is likely hurting others. Being mindful and watchful helps keeping a discussion amongst the people. Be respectful and being nice helps everyone.
()n how she thinks West Windsor residents can come together and build one other up instead of tearing one another down)
In within West Windsor we have multiple groups and they are all doing great. But unfortunately, we do not see the different groups coming together. We are pretty much clustered. Brandi Hubert worked with me in tying to create a community program once a month to bring in everyone together. But this is still an area where we need to work harder.
