Cyberbullying after viral Facebook post spurs outpouring of support for Alabama pageant queen, explanation of comment moderation [Video]

Editor’s Note: Last week, News 5 posted an article about the National American Miss pageant‘s newly crowned Miss Alabama. A Facebook post with that article’s link went viral, and thousands of commenters shared their thoughts on the pageant winner’s appearance. Those comments prompted this article on journalism ethics and content moderation standards.

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — An Atmore woman’s years-long wish to become a pageant winner finally came true over Memorial Day weekend.

Atmore woman crowned Miss Alabama in National American Miss pageant

But the social media criticism that followed her crowning was swift and harsh.

Sara Milliken, 23, of Atmore, was recently crowned the National American Miss pageant’s Miss Alabama. Less than one week later, she was the target of cyberbullying. (Photo courtesy of Sara Milliken; used with permission)

Sara Milliken’s quest to be named Miss Alabama in the National American Miss pageant began eight years ago.

That’s when …