The 21st Show

New study finds people overestimate online outrage

 
A woman types on a laptop while on a train in New Jersey, May 18, 2021. A new study from Northwestern University examined whether people expressing anger on social media were as upset as they professed to be in their posts.

A woman types on a laptop while on a train in New Jersey, May 18, 2021. A new study from Northwestern University examined whether people expressing anger on social media were as upset as they professed to be in their posts. Jenny Kane/AP, file

Some reactions to controversy on social media can seem passionate, if not extreme. But a new study from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management suggests that people on the internet are not as angry as they seem.

The 21st was joined by the professor who led the study.

GUEST:

William Brady

Assistant Professor, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management

 

 

Prepared for web by Owen Henderson

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