Another definition for spam, perhaps broader, seems appropriate for social media, especially politics, could be as follows:
Spam is the unsolicited selling of a good, service, or idea in the expectation of compensation in the form, including money, recognition, and or self-actualization. Most, if not all actions initiated by people, involve a desire to fulfill a need of their own. Fulfilling their need or even the attempt to fill their need can provide the emotion they are looking for, such as feeling good. For example, even a teacher who helps people learn something useful for free is often seeking recognition, gratitude, a feeling of accomplishment, or to feel good about themselves in another way. It seems fair to say that much of the political discourse in the politics section of ET does not even rise to even the level of “Teaching”, to put it mildly.
Given the expanded, practical definition of spam above, would it not be reasonable to say we all create spam daily on social media and as we go about our daily lives?
As far as easymon1 is concerned, he often posts content that is not relevant to the topic the OP has put forth. Further, easymon1 has repeatedly posted the same content, including after some of my posts as if he is following me around to remind me to watch a video that is important to him. While I did complain once to Tony Stark for his posting the exact same content three times on a day where I threatened to escalate to a moderator, after a heated exchange, Tony won the argument along the lines of our understanding and agreement of the rules regarding ET politics.
Based on the preceding, there can be annoying ways of delivering spam that can create discontent beyond the mere contest of ideas. These elements may include use of demeaning language towards the poster, “Excessive” posting of similar content over a short period of time where multiple posters object, or a prejudicial renouncement against a class of people or ideas. However, the biggest key in my opinion in classifying “Harmful spam” is the continued posting of spam that has the aforementioned harmful elements in spite of a complaint given to the poster. I have never complained to easymon1, choosing to ignore his nagging spam, like it seems most here do with his other spam.
In conclusion, if someone offends you, consider complaining to them directly. If they seem to continue to purposely try to offend you while violating the rules in ET politics, escalate to a moderator if the ignore or block buttons are not having their intended effect.
