We examined how individuals differently react to opposing views in an online discussion setting depending on tone of disagreement expression. Our results showed that exposure to uncivil discussion results in increased negative emotions toward the other side, which in turn led to more closed-mindedness and more expression of disagreement with the discussion partner on the other side of the issue, although uncivil discussion and negative emotions are positively related to recall of the other side’s reasons.

Hearing the other side has been considered as a necessary precondition for beneficial effects of deliberative discussion (Carpini, Cook, & Jacobs, 2004). In fact, prior studies have consistently shown that exposure to disagreement has positive effects on cognitive reflection at individual level, which in turn enhances sophistication of opinion, issue involvement, and participation.

That is, favorable emotions, attitudes, and behaviors toward other citizens, especially those with different views, enrich diversity in political discussion by keeping individuals open to criticism of their opinions and their conduct, cultivating their ability to acknowledge differences of opinion and put a positive value on variations in opinion, and thus facilitating coordination and mutual understanding among citizens.

Hwang, H., Kim, Y., & Kim, Y. (2016). Influence of Discussion Incivility on Deliberation An Examination of the Mediating Role of Moral Indignation. Communication Research, 0093650215616861.

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