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First, that's not a citation. Where's the data that shows controversy reduces engagement? Second, that's not at all what happens on Facebook though. On Faceboo

First, that's not a citation. Where's the data that shows controversy reduces engagement? Second, that's not at all what happens on Facebook though. On Facebook every other story is about how people outside of your tribe are child-eating assholes. This very discussion is a counterfactual to your claim. Someone posts a topic that is somewhat controversial, and we're all arguing about it in the comments. That's engagement. That's what most social media optimizes for, and it's why most social media is cesspit.

bertil 4y ago
Do you think that I want to contribute after I’ve been called names and downvoted for trying to provide an informed experience? Yes, some people will pile up for a minute. As a user that’s what you see, but controversies are not gratuituous: if you are racist, sexist, xenophobic, homophobic, or anything heated, your friends, colleagues, family members who are insulted will see that and disengage. I’ve had to look at how much that represent, and it’s a much stronger effect than the pile-up that you noticed.