Being Rational or Being Rude? On the Influence of Media Content, Discussion-Related, and Situational Factors on Incivility in Online Discussions

• In Event: Incivility and Online Discussions

Abstract

Advocates of a deliberative democratic theory have pinned their hopes on online discussions among recipients of news media platforms in order to manifest the ideal of a rational, respectful, and integrative democratic discourse. The reality of online discussions among users is, however, characterized by a high degree of incivility. Based on a quantitative content analysis of journalistic articles and corresponding user comments, we seek to analyze the impact of external, content-related, discussion-related, and situational factors on the amount of rationality and incivility in online user comments. Our results indicate that especially the factors important in the immediate situation of commenting are relevant in explaining a rude or reasoning tone of a user comment. Additionally, we analyze the interrelation of the single elements constituting a rational or uncivil tone and show that these styles of commenting in online discussions cannot be regarded in terms of perfect antagonisms.

Authors

• Christina Koehler, U of Mainz

• Pablo B. Jost, U of Mainz