For me, it is 100% to do with cult-like followings, and their subsequent brigading of any topic even remotely relevant to them. Examples: Brands like Apple and

For me, it is 100% to do with cult-like followings, and their subsequent brigading of any topic even remotely relevant to them. Examples: Brands like Apple and Tesla. People like Elon Musk, Jordan Peterson, Donald Trump, and Joe Rogan. Diets like Veganism, Keto, Intermittent Fasting. Etc., Etc., Etc.. And that's before we even get into partisan politics. It's not possible for people to be partial believers or skeptics or even show any sort of nuance with these groups. You're either all in or you're an idiot that should just go jump in front of a train. And threads are brigaded with this sort of bullshit, and dissenting opinions are suppressed with flagging and massive downvotes. Compared to this, I have to chuckle at how mild and respectful the old hot-topic discussions were on things like copyleft vs permissive licensing. It's like comparing kindergarten tiffs with a supermax prison riot.