How does toxicity shape online conversations?
We sit down with Gabriela Juncosa to discuss how political discourse unfolds in online spaces and whether toxic interactions shut conversations down or keep them going. We chat about the structure of online discussions, how social media algorithms influence engagement, and whether the way we talk online differs from in-person interactions.
This takes us to the role of network structures in polarization, the ways AI might intervene in online discourse, and whether we can design digital spaces that foster both engagement and constructive dialogue.
Guest: Gabriela Juncosa
Co-host: Phyllis Pearson
(To hear more from Phyllis check out Episode 24)
Show Notes:
Social Media and Political Discourse
The role of YouTube comments in political conversations
How social media structures influence public discourse
Mainstream news outlets and their comment sections as study sites
Toxicity and Conversations
How toxic comments appear in discussions
Different approaches to defining and detecting toxicity
Whether toxic interactions affect conversation longevity
Key Findings on Toxicity and Engagement
Use of Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) to analyze conversation structures
How different model assumptions influence interpretations of toxicity’s role
Whether toxicity appears more at the start or end of a conversation
Impact of Social Media Algorithms
How social media platforms prioritize engagement
Whether algorithmic amplification influences discourse
How content format (e.g., short-form vs. long-form) affects depth of discussion
Online vs. In-Person Conversations
How people express opinions in digital vs. face-to-face settings
Whether fear of isolation influences participation
How perceived social norms shape contributions to discussions
Understanding Polarization in Social Networks
How polarization is defined in terms of network structures
How tightly connected groups form and interact
Whether certain interventions can reduce polarization
Collective Adaptation and Complexity Science
How groups navigate problem-solving in changing environments
How institutional and cultural constraints affect decision-making
How network dynamics influence collective behavior
AI and Ethical Interventions in Online Spaces
Potential AI-based interventions in online discussions
Nudging strategies that could promote constructive engagement
Ethical concerns surrounding automated moderation
The Dual Nature of Social Media
How social media enables connection and activism
How misinformation and toxicity spread in digital spaces
Whether platforms can be designed to balance engagement and discourse quality