forums...

'Some aspects of modern life can make you lose the will to live. Of all the bad trips new tech invites us to take, none feels more hellish than the website 'discussion thread' on any hot topic of the day. Who let these rabid dogs out? Why does online 'debate' so often leave the browser with a turned stomach and a soiled soul? Because, perhaps, networked shouting-matches that encourage players to cuddle their imaginary friends and demonise their equally disembodied foes bring to a peak the dynamics of 'group polarisation' explored in this timely and absorbing book...'

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/going-to-extremes-by-cass-r-sunstein-1774897.html

One good thing about the forums is that it's NOT a bunch of people with like-minded views all agreeing with each other. People from differing viewpoints openly debate and challenge each other's views - and perhaps even learn about the weaknesses of their own views and arguments.

Forums may be one of the few things working to reduce polarization.

Originally posted by Melanerpes
One good thing about the forums is that it's NOT a bunch of people with like-minded views all agreeing with each other. People from differing viewpoints openly debate and challenge each other's views - and perhaps even learn about the weaknesses of their own views and arguments.

Forums may be one of the few things working to reduce polarization.

You perhaps need to take a look at www.freerepublic.com and see if your theory holds.

I've seen the psychological studies at work; people do tend to move their views closer to their in group that they're arguing together with, and move further away from the outgroup that they're arguing against.

It works in many ways in life, and it's probably helpful towards networking and building communities. It's not nescessarily so bad, but it also doesn't hurt to learn and be aware of the downsides to the phenomenon.

Originally posted by DrKF
'Some aspects of modern life can make you lose the will to live. Of all the bad trips new tech invites us to take, none feels more hellish than the website 'discussion thread' on any hot topic of the day. Who let these rabid dogs out? Why does online 'debate' so often leave the browser with a turned stomach and a soiled soul? Because, perhaps, networked shoutin ...[text shortened]... co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/going-to-extremes-by-cass-r-sunstein-1774897.html

Well...you don't have to read this stuff. Go have some warm milk and cookies!😛