Over the last year and the last few months especially, I have noticed an increase in the following:
1. the number of “news” or other non-opinion websites allowing comments without much moderation or filter, with an unhealthy mix of fact and opinion causing an ever-increasing level of hostility in their comments.
2. the level of vitriol in comments on any given topic, even if the topic is not an opinion story, including insults not meant as jokes but as responses intended to shame or discourage positive discourse.
One possible explanation that occurred to me just recently is that Usenet was basically shut down/integrated into the Internet proper. In the old days, I abandoned Usenet after seeing the comments digress into this type of nonsense. I remember thinking to myself, “I am so glad this isn’t part of the Internet.” But now it is a part of the Internet, and it appears to be a growing problem. I don’t think people are understanding that moderation will lead to more insightful discussions, plus a stable long-term user base. Freedom of speech doesn’t mean that a private website can’t actively encourage positive discourse by removing insulting posts.
