As a political scientist I think the evidence is insurmountable that the internet has contributed to polarization and incivility in our political discourse. We absolutely need the left and the right to talk to each other--and the lack of such communication and shared understanding is behind our nation's inability to solve critical problems in a way that most people can support. But the internet encourages discourse without responsibility. When you put your own face and your own name behind a statement in front of people you know and who will see you again--there is a level of accountability that encourages you to be truthful, polite, and understanding of other people. On the other hand, when you make a statement using a pseudonym to other people using pseudonyms there is very little accountability.
It reminds me of the driver on the freeway who cuts you off aggressively, only to find out that you are both going to the same place. When you both get out of your cars and face each and realize you are acquainted, there is a sheepish apology.
I do think we need to come up with ways for difficult conversations to happen between people who come from different ideologies. The internet is the last place this will occur. Partners in such conversations need to be face-to-face, where they can read body language, understand the sincerity, grief, or empathy of the other person, and moderate their own tone on the basis of the visual cues that come back from the other person.
Bob's example of left and right getting along, with a sense of humor, at a social setting is exactly what I mean. Take someone with a different ideology out for a beer (six feet apart?) Don't talk to them on a chat forum.
By the way, this is exactly why online education fails spectacularly at certain subjects.
And it is also the reason I fully support the Cardboard's ban on political discussions. But send me a private message and we can get together to talk :)
It reminds me of the driver on the freeway who cuts you off aggressively, only to find out that you are both going to the same place. When you both get out of your cars and face each and realize you are acquainted, there is a sheepish apology.
I do think we need to come up with ways for difficult conversations to happen between people who come from different ideologies. The internet is the last place this will occur. Partners in such conversations need to be face-to-face, where they can read body language, understand the sincerity, grief, or empathy of the other person, and moderate their own tone on the basis of the visual cues that come back from the other person.
Bob's example of left and right getting along, with a sense of humor, at a social setting is exactly what I mean. Take someone with a different ideology out for a beer (six feet apart?) Don't talk to them on a chat forum.
By the way, this is exactly why online education fails spectacularly at certain subjects.
And it is also the reason I fully support the Cardboard's ban on political discussions. But send me a private message and we can get together to talk :)