Content area
Abstract
This thesis explores political discourse and the changes in behavior displayed in online environments with differing amounts of anonymity, as they occur in a unique, simulated online platform. Communication research differentiates political discourse from other types because it is inherently geared toward problem solving; thus, conflict and uncertainty arise from political discourse to a higher degree than in other types of communication (Schudson, 1997). The behavioral differences in online political discourse versus in-person discourse have evolved with the saturation of the internet into everyday life. This study’s specific aim is to add another facet to the existing knowledge about the balance between ambivalence and incivility and their roles in political psychology and communication. Observed between-group differences in this study vary enough to provide a model for understanding the effect of social distance on political discourse in future online environment creation. This study also provides a snapshot of several politically relevant social networking environments and the influence environmental factors have on behavior. The thesis is contributory because results are applicable to all online environments political, behavioral, and discursive outcomes.
