ABSTRACT

High degrees of incivility and hostility in comment sections potentially threaten a deliberative and inclusive discussion atmosphere. News outlets are struggling with effectively moderating such discussions. This study investigates the novel approach of collective civic moderation (CCM) – a strategic and concerted moderation effort by groups of citizens that aims at improving the quality of online discussions. Using the example of the German action group #ichbinhier (#iamhere), whose members collectively engage in Facebook comment sections of news outlets, we analyze whether CCM comments live up to norms of deliberation and whether these comments stimulate deliberative discussions. Findings from a quantitative content analysis show that comments written by #ichbinhier members are more rational, reciprocal, and constructive, and less uncivil and impolite than comments written by nonmembers. Rational, constructive, and polite comments are associated with more deliberative comments in the subsequent discussions. Normative and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

摘要

评论部分的高度不文明和敌意可能会威胁到审慎和包容的讨论氛围。新闻媒体正在努力有效地调节此类讨论。本研究调查了集体公民调解 (CCM) 的新方法——公民团体旨在提高在线讨论质量的战略性和协调一致的调解努力。以德国行动小组#ichbinhier (#iamhere) 为例，其成员集体参与新闻媒体的 Facebook 评论部分，我们分析了 CCM 评论是否符合审议规范以及这些评论是否激发了审议讨论。定量内容分析的结果表明，#ichbinhier撰写的评论与非会员的评论相比，会员更理性、互惠、建设性更强，更少不文明和不礼貌。理性、建设性和礼貌的评论与后续讨论中更深思熟虑的评论相关联。讨论了这些发现的规范和实际意义。