How You Can Help Save Online Comments Sections, and American Democracy

The appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election has focused attention on the threat of foreign infiltration of political discussions on the internet.

But online comments sections have also attracted domestic trolls, malicious bots, liars, and bullies. Frustrated publishers seem to believe they are more trouble than they are worth.

That’s too bad, because comments sections also feature expert analysis, compelling arguments, and irreverent humor. At a time when we are ever more stratified and cosseted in our analog lives, Americans with different political perspectives need to be able to opine and argue digitally.

Despite their imperfections, comment sections should be reformed and defended, not terminated. In my latest article for JustSecurity.org (https://bit.ly/2qF8dQk), I offer some ideas for how we might do that. 

I would welcome reactions to the ideas I’ve proposed as well as additional ideas from you I haven’t thought of. Look forward to the conversation. Regards, Joe