ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses user commentary as a form of public engagement, drawing on the philosophical foundations of the public sphere within deliberative democracies. It then provides in-depth treatment of (in)civility in user comments, integrating theoretical and empirical work. The chapter offers a discussion of viewpoint diversity and commenting effects in the context of commentary as public engagement. Since deliberation can, of course, only explain some forms of user commentary, we conclude by offering alternative commentary frameworks beyond a traditional deliberation model. Research on user comments traditionally draws on philosophical notions of the public sphere as an overarching theoretical framework. This understanding of comments adapts the work of Habermas to describe a space where the public can engage in rational, civil discussion about the important events and issues of the day. User comments’ relevance cannot be ignored, and the improvement of user discussions’ civility becomes an urgent matter.
