Public Perceptions of Uncivil Discourse Online: Definitions, Types, and Predictors

• In Event: Political Information Online: Its Content and Consequences

Abstract

Although incivility in public discourse has become a pressing concern of citizens and scholars alike, most research has focused on the discourse of elites such as political figures. A survey was conducted in the present study to examine how incivility is perceived by the lay public, to evaluate differences in perceptions of specific types of uncivil speech, and to identify predictors of incivility perceptions. Survey participants (n = 399) evaluated 10 statements containing uncivil speech and two control statements without uncivil speech, all drawn from a previous content analysis of incivility in online discussions. The results demonstrate that the public views incivility as one-dimensional and consistent with extant scholarly conceptions, and that different types of incivility elicit different responses. In particular, name-calling and vulgarity were rated as more uncivil than were other speech acts. Additionally, several demographic, personality, and news consumption variables were identified as predictors of incivility perceptions.

Authors

• Kate Kenski, U of Arizona

• Kevin Coe, U of Utah

• Steve Rains, U of Arizona