Mike Masnick ✅Jan 17, 2023
I keep having interesting debates with people here on Mastodon, disproving the idea that it's an "echo chamber." But a few days ago, someone insisted to me that social media was obviously a net negative on society, and when someone else asked him to back that up, the user indicated that it had created echo chambers, and pointed to a short list of studies. I pointed out that the actual research did not support his conclusions, and he told me I had not read far enough... (continued...)
Show threadMike Masnick ✅Jan 17, 2023

... I responded by highlighting the summary of one of the links *he* posted (a meta study of many studies), saying... the opposite. That research said: "In summary, the work reviewed here suggests echo chambers are much less widespread than is commonly assumed, finds no support for the filter bubble hypothesis..."

In response... that user blocked me.

So, yeah, I mean, I guess sometimes it does create echo chambers & filter bubbles. If you choose to respond that way...

Show threadYohannonJan 17, 2023

@mmasnick Which is why I don't reflexively block people because they said ONE THING (or even several) I disagreed with; sure there are red lines (like claiming the 2020 election was stolen for example), but the whole reason I do social media at all (going all the way back to BBS's in the 80's) is to be CHALLENGED. I can be swayed by solid arguments, and if I'm following correct the other side likewise.

But then I actually READ the receipts before I send them too. 🤷‍♂️

Show threadCurmudgeon
@yohannon @mmasnick
Exactly this.
If I wanted to only talk with those who have the same views I do, I could just talk to myself.
Okay, I do that too.
Jan 17, 2023 at 1:52amWeb
Show threadYohannonJan 17, 2023

@jetton @mmasnick I see your conversations with self, and raise it to arguments where I take both sides. Like playing chess, only more compartmentalized. 😉

Social interaction is literally the only reason my severe ADHD (and likely AuDHD) hasn't left me broken and alone; my self assessment sucks, but social networking can be the mirror I can't seem to see myself in on my own.

Show threadCurmudgeonJan 17, 2023
@yohannon @mmasnick
It's when I lose arguments with myself that I start to worry.
Show threadDancingwiththebelovedJan 18, 2023
@jetton @yohannon @mmasnick cur - you shouldn't worry about all those lost arguments unless they make you depressed to the point of selling all your shit and moving into a cave. THEN you should worry.