Just a thought. But it seems to me that the issue isn't political "extremes" (and, while we know all about far-right extremism, there really isn't much of a "far-Left" equivalent, is there? ) rather I think that-besides the bots and troll farms- it is the anonymity allows bullies and nasties free rein to do their thing without fear of exposure. Back in the pre-internet world, those were the secret pinchers in schools, the ones who started malicious rumors and wrote slander on bathroom walls- never confronting anyone in a way that could lead to consequences for themselves, but enjoying the trouble they caused. I think that social media was just a delicious gift for those folks- a bigger audience and even less chance of being discovered. At least, so it seems to me.
Just a thought. But it seems to me that the issue isn't political "extremes" (and, while we know all about far-right extremism, there really isn't much of a "far-Left" equivalent, is there? ) rather I think that-besides the bots and troll farms- it is the anonymity allows bullies and nasties free rein to do their thing without fear of exposure. Back in the pre-internet world, those were the secret pinchers in schools, the ones who started malicious rumors and wrote slander on bathroom walls- never confronting anyone in a way that could lead to consequences for themselves, but enjoying the trouble they caused. I think that social media was just a delicious gift for those folks- a bigger audience and even less chance of being discovered. At least, so it seems to me.
This is incredibly optimistic and I am ready for it! Thank you for your encouraging wisdom.