Twitter’s design stokes hostility and controversy. Here’s why, and how it might change

Michael Walsh, Stephanie Baker

Research output: Contribution to Newspaper/Magazine/BulletinArticle

Abstract

Twitter has come under increasing public scrutiny for facilitating hostile communication online. While the micro-blogging site promotes itself as providing a “free” and “safe” space to talk, critics have highlighted the company’s inept response to repeated instances of trolling, harassment and abuse.

Our research into how people present themselves and manage their interactions with other users on Twitter suggests that case-by-case responses are inadequate. We found Twitter’s design promotes avoidance as the easiest solution to hostility, without offering space for the kind of restorative activity that could lead to more genuine resolution of conflict.
Original languageEnglish
Pages1-5
Number of pages5
Specialist publicationThe Conversation
PublisherThe Conversation Paperpress
Publication statusPublished - 30 Aug 2021

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Twitter’s design stokes hostility and controversy. Here’s why, and how it might change'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this