Enhancing Online Civility: A New Approach to Comment History Disclosure

Enhancing Online Civility Through Comment History Disclosure

In the vast expanse of cyberspace, the weight of our words can often go unnoticed. Many online platforms boast comment sections that, while they offer a unique space for expression, are frequently tainted with a troubling landscape of incivility—ranging from hate speech to hostile remarks. Such behaviors deter meaningful participation and can cause substantial psychological distress, particularly for public figures.

Recognizing this challenge, researchers at Chung-Ang University, led by Associate Professor Jinyoung Min, have embarked on an ambitious study to investigate if disclosing a user’s online comment history can improve online interactions. This unique strategy aims to promote responsible behavior without discarding the essential element of anonymity that many users value.

The study emphasizes the critical understanding that users often engage online under a perceived veil of anonymity, which can frequently lead them to post negative or hurtful comments without considering the implications of their actions. Traditional moderation techniques and real-name policies have proven inadequate in curbing unruly behavior. Human moderation can fall prey to bias, while algorithmic solutions may not resonate well with users. Real-name policies, on the other hand, may raise privacy concerns and stifle engagement.

Instead, the researchers propose a novel comment history disclosure system based on a single pseudo-identity. This way, users have their previous comments accessible to others, which fosters awareness of their digital footprint and its implications. By continuously aggregating their comments under the same identity, users can appreciate the permanence of their online actions.

This strategy functions similarly to a digital mirror, reflecting the user's history and encouraging deeper contemplation before posting potentially damaging content. It aims to instill a sense of self-regulation, thereby reducing the incidence of harmful comments such as cyberbullying and hate speech, which thrive in environments of anonymity.

The effectiveness of this system was compared across two platforms: Naver, which has implemented the comment-history disclosure system, and YouTube, which hasn’t. By analyzing a staggering 1.7 million comments across 6,262 video news items, the researchers employed a robust difference-in-differences analysis to measure user behavior changes. The results were striking. After the system’s introduction on Naver, the tone of comments became significantly more positive, and instances of hate speech targeting various demographic groups saw a notable decline. The average sentiment scores also improved by an impressive 24%.

Dr. Min highlighted the significance of the findings, stating, “These results underscore the potential for designing online systems that cultivate responsible behavior while upholding individual privacy. By linking user actions to a consistent digital identity, we can inspire more constructive engagement without infringing on user anonymity.”

In addition to its immediate implications for Naver, this study lays out a robust framework that can be adopted globally to mitigate the toxicity plaguing digital platforms. By introducing comment-history disclosure systems, platforms worldwide can work towards diminishing harmful content and cultivating a culture of civility, thereby enhancing the quality of online discourse.

Dr. Min advocates for the widespread adoption of these strategies, asserting, “Our study offers a clear pathway for online platforms to encourage more civil interactions. We are confident that if users become aware of how their behavior contributes to shaping their digital identity, they will act more civilly.”

Ultimately, the objective is to foster a healthier online landscape where users take responsibility for their interactions and engage positively. Steps like this hope to usher in an era of civility, making online spaces more inviting and respectful for everyone involved.

Reference

Title of Original Paper: A Small Clue Made of Fragmented Pieces: The Effect of Online Comment History Disclosure on Digital Citizenship
Journal: Communications of the ACM
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3624714