Wikipedia:Assume the assumption of good faith

This is an essay on the Wikipedia:Assume good faith guideline. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

Shortcuts WP:AAGF WP:FAITH2

This page in a nutshell: When involved in a discussion, it is best to think very carefully before citing WP:AGF.

In heated disputes, users often remind others to "Assume good faith" (AGF) whom they perceive to be doing the contrary. However, like bad faith itself, the assumption of bad faith should not be assumed merely because at first glance it might seem to be present. The AGF guideline recognizes that one can easily misjudge another's intentions or motives, and thus urges caution in that area. Ironically, the very act of citing AGF can suggest an assumption of bad faith, since one is assuming that the other is not also assuming good faith.

As long as you expect others not to make unwarranted assumptions about you, you should extend the same courtesy to them. While it might occasionally be helpful to inform or remind someone that the Assumption of Good Faith is expected, this should be avoided more often than not. Someone being told to AGF who does not see how they were doing otherwise is likely to feel antagonized, which will only escalate matters because of the clueless situation. In such situations it is recommended the one who reminds AGF be willing to explain why the person is doing so politely with support of policies. But, one who often feels the need to remind others to AGF would instead do well to look inward and consider that those others may not be the whole problem. Even if after thinking it over you remain convinced that someone is assuming bad faith, ask for clarification to avoid being a victim of herd mentality and personally feel bullied. Productive members of the community will consider this and look inward themselves and provide their valid reasons for doubting that good faith is present within the essential principles and guidelines.

In cases where you feel that someone definitely needs to be cautioned for interpersonal behavioral issues, rather than actually citing AGF consider citing a policy applicable to the situation, such as Wikipedia:No personal attacks, Wikipedia:Civility, or Wikipedia:Harassment and alternatively approach for administrator attention. It is always better if the person who feels suppressed doesn't act as disruptive as the other person for the Administrator to intervene neutrally and appropriately.