Discussions is the place for conversations across The Atlantic. Thoughtfulness, humor, debate, disagreement, and original ideas are encouraged. Your participation in Discussions is subject to The Atlantic’s Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. Please review both before continuing.
Commenting is reserved for subscribers only; subscribe to The Atlantic to participate.
FAQ
What is Discussions?
Discussions is the comments section that appears on an Atlantic story.
Who can participate in Discussions?
Anyone can see comments on Discussions. Subscribers are able to comment, reply, and recommend comments. Subscribers must be at least 18 years old to post comments.
How can I see Discussions?
Enter the Discussion by clicking the “Discuss” icon at the top of an article or the “Share your thoughts” button at the end of a story.
How can I post a comment?
You must subscribe to The Atlantic to post comments. When entering a Discussion for the first time, you will be prompted to set a username.
Comments must be between three and 750 characters. Use the “Submit” button to post your comment.
How can I see my comment history?
Click the “History” button that appears at the top of Discussions to see your comments that have been published to The Atlantic.
How can I edit my comment?
You can edit a comment for 15 minutes after it has been posted. To do so, click the “Edit” button, make your changes, and select “Save Changes.”
When will my comments be published?
Comments that meet our guidelines are typically displayed quickly, although some submissions made after business hours or on weekends may take longer to appear.
How can I delete my comment?
Users may delete comments on The Atlantic. To delete a comment:
- In the top right corner of the posted comment, next to the “edit” selection, you’ll see “delete.”
- Click on “delete” and you’ll be prompted to confirm the action to remove the comment.
- Please note: Deleting a comment cannot be undone.
How do I set and change my username?
Subscribers will be prompted to set a username when they first enter a Discussion. Usernames that violate our Community Guidelines, as well as those that impersonate real people, are prohibited.
To change your username, sign in to your Atlantic account, then make your change under the Your Account header.
How does The Atlantic moderate comments?
The Atlantic reviews comments using a combination of automated moderation tools and human oversight to keep Discussions aligned with our Community Guidelines.
How can I appeal a moderation decision?
Appeal a moderation decision by emailing discussions@theatlantic.com. Please include your username in your appeal. All decisions following an appeal are final.
How can The Atlantic use my comments?
The Atlantic reserves the right to feature comments from readers in any media.
How can I manage my Atlantic subscription?
Manage your subscription through The Atlantic’s Help Center.