‘Wilmington Idiot Spotter’ publicly shames drivers

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — There’s a Facebook page for publicly shaming so-called “idiots” in the Port City. It’s called Wilmington Idiot Spotter.

We’ve all been there, you pull into a parking lot and see what looks like the perfect spot. But thanks to someone parking over the line, you have to keep searching. Well now, there’s a Facebook page to let out your frustrations

“I think it’s a good thing. I think people do park like idiots a lot of times. And when you have a family it’s frustrating if there’s not a lot of spots in a crowded area and you can’t park because somebody’s over the line,” said Christopher Owen, a Wilmington resident.

Wilmington Idiot Spotter aims at “mercilessly humiliating” those dreadful drivers and poor parkers of the Port City.

“Shaming, I don’t think that’s good if you’re shaming someone. But if you just like think it’s funny, then that’s OK. But I don’t think you should publicly shame someone,” said Victoria Guthrie, a Wilmington resident.

But that’s just what the page does. Public humiliation for those whose less than perfect driving is caught on camera.

While it may be therapeutic to call out that tailgater on social media, UNCW Communication Professor Jeanne Persuit warns of the dark side to sharing everything.

“It seems like a good idea at the time, but you can’t take it back,” Persuit said.

So before you post it, think about it.

“A good rule of thumb to think that how would I feel if this stayed here forever? Because there is a chance that someone will grab a hold of it and keep it forever,” Persuit said.

Another good rule of thumb? Parking in the lines.