A new study links partisan activity on the Internet to widespread online toxicity, revealing that politically-engaged users exhibit uncivil behavior even in non-political discussions. The findings are based on an analysis of hundreds of millions of comments from over 6.3 million Reddit users.

Politically-engaged Redditors tend to be more toxic – even in non-political subreddits::A new study links partisan activity on the Internet to widespread online toxicity, revealing that politically-engaged users exhibit uncivil behavior even in non-political discussions. The findings are based on an analysis of hundreds of millions of comments from over 6.3 million Reddit users.

  • pelespirit@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    202·
    10 months ago

    100% agree with you. The worst part is the bots are getting better and better. I have a policy that you respond once to clarify and then walk away. These are for obvious bad actors, but now they’re seeming more and more like decent people with a flawed idea until you keep talking and realize it’s a bot. I don’t know how to counteract that.

    • EatATaco@lemm.eeEnglish
      8·
      10 months ago

      How do you know they’re actually bots? 90% of the time, when I’m debating with someone who is passionately defending their position, they’ll at some point accuse me of being a bot or a shill. I also can’t recall any time I’ve debated someone and have been convinced they are a bot.

      I’m just skeptical as it’s a convenient ad hominem.

      • lagomorphlecture@lemm.eeEnglish
        5·
        10 months ago

        To be totally honest with you, I wouldn’t for one second be surprised if the bots are programmed to accuse humans of being bots.

        • aidan@lemmy.worldEnglish
          2·
          10 months ago

          Or “smart” person. There are almost certainly bots who espouse beliefs that align with yours too.