Understanding the Unchanging Nature of Online Toxicity
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Chapter 1: The Stability of Online Toxicity
Research indicates that, contrary to our perceptions of rampant toxicity in social media, the level of online hostility has not significantly shifted since the early days of the internet.
This statement highlights the paradox of how we remember the early internet as a more respectful space, while studies reveal consistent levels of toxicity across various platforms.
Section 1.1: Historical Context of Online Behavior
The nostalgia for the "good old days" often leads us to believe that earlier internet interactions were more civil. However, a recent study examined toxic behavior by analyzing over 500 million user comments spanning 34 years, starting from the 1980s USENET, a precursor to today’s web.
Subsection 1.1.1: Methodology of the Research
The study employed a machine learning algorithm to assess comments from platforms including YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, USENET, and Reddit, identifying patterns of toxicity throughout the years.
Section 1.2: Insights on Human Nature and Online Interactions
What drives the persistent nature of online toxicity? It appears that human tendencies toward argumentation and aggression remain unchanged, suggesting that this behavior is intrinsic to our nature rather than a byproduct of the online environment.
Chapter 2: The Role of Algorithms and Engagement
The first video titled "Big Pharma Is Fooling You & Making Americans Sick! - Corrupt Companies & Toxic Food | Calley Means" delves into the ways external factors, like industry practices, contribute to societal issues, paralleling the discussion on online behavior.
The second video titled "The Truth" provides insights into societal perceptions of toxicity, reinforcing the idea that our engagement with social media is deeply rooted in human psychology.
Despite the apparent toxicity, researchers found that it does not significantly deter users from participating on these platforms. This is perhaps surprising, but it indicates the addictive nature of social media.
The study also revealed that while toxicity levels remain below 10% in comments, the size of conversations is a critical factor influencing how toxic exchanges unfold. Interestingly, many users engage in at least one comment that could be deemed toxic, reflecting a common human experience.
Oh, so we can all exhibit toxic behavior?
Indeed, toxicity can be linked to the language we use in heated moments, much like interactions in everyday life. It serves as a reminder that we all have the capacity for such behavior.
Remember, it’s always possible to engage positively multiple times!
This post was originally published on my Substack.
Reference:
Michele Avalle, Niccolò Di Marco, Gabriele Etta, et al.
Persistent interaction patterns across social media platforms and over time.
Nature, 2024
DOI: 10.1038/s41586–024–07229-y