Firstly , saying something is simply wrong or unjust is far too black and white is many situations. Worse then it could be or less just then an alternative seem like more readily available goals, and a far better lens through which to identify problems and solutions. The focus isn't on being judgemental, but on problem solving, and it's somewhat ironic that it's become considered politically charged.
With this context, saying something is problematic is saying there a problem there in the sense that it could be improved to something more moral, just, kind, etc. Of course, just like most of these similar words its broad and abstract, and if you are ever confused why someone considers something problematic you can ask or independently learn or study the issues.
As far as actual usage as a word, I've seen a few common useful ones.
- As an initial statement prior to explaining the actual details and reasoning. Hopefully this one is not confusing people, but often people dont read past a headline so...
- A categorization of something specifically to be avoided in discussion for simplicity. You discuss or explain a simplified idea, and leave the problematic bits out til later, as a method of organizing, like when learning math or whatever.
- Casual shorthand between people with a similar set of understanding and arguments to point something out. This unfortunately leaks out to people who dont share in that common terminology and get confused. Its unfortunate that instead of, say, getting curious to understand the missing pieces of arguments, some people seem to just assume it's some kind of fluff and dismiss it out of hand.
Hopefully something here can provide clarity of terminology for some, and if they still want to problematize problematic can clarify in what way and why.