Re:Ask HN: Why has the internet become so pessimistic and po...
by runsWphotons on Monday February 08, 2021 @09:32PM
(#26073216)
It's funny you bring up not debating your neighbours and posting online. This happened to me a few days ago. My neighbor who introduced myself to started asking lots of political questions. I didn't agree with the apparent viewpoint, but it was clear I would never change her mind, so I was just politely trying to get out of the conversation. I think the internet gives the illusion that you might find someone who will actually debate? Like it's easier to ignore that you probably aren't changing anyone's mind.
- People are really becoming too reserved and within their own circles. Internet has made it much easier contrary to what we may have thought when internet started. Now you don't need to worry about socializing or getting to know your neighbor. You can literally get/do anything online these days which also means you create your own echo chambers. For example, why participate in a debate with a fellow neighbor/friend when I can go on reddit (anonymized) and write whatever I want for the most part. I was talking to someone few days ago and they mentioned "We used to almost know everyone in my neighborhood 15 years ago and now in the same neighborhood, I only know a handful"
I wouldn't say most commenters online are depressed. I think it is more because of how our society has become.