> Comment scores make group beliefs far more obvious. Common knowledge of group beliefs is a necessary condition for groupthink. True -- but obviousness is not

> Comment scores make group beliefs far more obvious. Common knowledge of group beliefs is a necessary condition for groupthink. True -- but obviousness is not a prerequisite of common knowledge in a knowledge-oriented community like this. Maybe if it was Digg the scores themselves would be a lot more necessary for groupthink. > The thing we need to be afraid of is public praise or shame for writing a well-received or poorly-received comment. I think you're underestimating the power of a pat on the back. > I disagree. When people are called out publicly for unpopular beliefs, they tend to commit to them even stronger. See above, re: "being smart". Were you not reading what I said?