In March of 2008, English computer programmer and essayist Paul Graham wrote a paper discussing the unique dynamic of internet disagreement, entitled “How to Disagree.” Graham discovered that individuals tended to be more disagreeable during internet interactions than during face to face encounters; perhaps the result of a limited mental filter online. In order to promote online civility and worthwhile internet debate, Graham developed a simple hierarchy of disagreement, encouraging users to aim for the top.
Below is a graphical depiction of Graham’s theory as uploaded to Wikimedia Commons.
Advertisements
