How Does Election Season Impact Online Forum Behavior?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of the upcoming Presidential election on the behavior of members in the Physics Forums, particularly in the Politics and World Affairs (P&WA) section. Participants express concerns about heightened emotions, civility, and adherence to forum rules during this politically charged time.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants observe that members who are usually rational are becoming bitter and frustrated as the election approaches.
  • A participant suggests that self-censorship does not violate freedom of speech and may be necessary for maintaining civility.
  • There is a call for members to re-read the forum rules as a reminder to behave appropriately during the election season.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the electoral system, noting that electors are not always bound to vote according to the popular vote in their districts.
  • Another participant mentions the existence of "faithless electors" who have historically not voted for their pledged candidates.
  • A humorous remark is made about the thread being the least bitter in the P&WA section, suggesting a potential calming effect from the rules reminder.
  • A later post introduces a more extreme viewpoint about the finality of discussions based on personal principles, indicating a more contentious stance on disagreements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of agreement on the need for civility and reminders about forum rules, while also showcasing differing views on the electoral system and the nature of discussions. The conversation remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness of self-censorship and the implications of the electoral process.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific behaviors and emotional responses during election seasons, indicating a lack of consensus on how to navigate discussions in a politically charged environment. The mention of "faithless electors" introduces complexity regarding the electoral process that remains unexplored in depth.

lisab
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Yep, we're closing in on another Presidential election here in the States! Tell-tale signs include PFers who are sweet and rational most of the time are now bitter and frustrated. Members can be seen storming out of P&WA, angry and with bruised feelings.

So...everyone take a deep breath, please!

My request: re-read the rules...

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=113181

...and post here to acknowledge you did. This isn't a requirement, of course. I just want you all to follow o:) and ignore :devil:.
 
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You're having an election? I hadn't heard...:-p
 
Ryan_m_b said:
You're having an election? I hadn't heard...:-p

Yeah that was the reminder :biggrin:!
 
lisab said:
So...everyone take a deep breath, please!
.

great thread Lisa, I just hope that everyone is really everyone.
 
I find this thread offensive and frankly will never come here again!

Yeah, I read it
 
Reluctant acknowledgment followed by forlorn sigh
 
Roger
 
Lisab: I think your request and reminder both are called for. Some have said more than they wanted to.

Combattants, remember:
-Concluding on non testable matters is difficult, scientifically.
-Self censorship doesn't violate the freedom of speech.
-Less is more
 
My favorite quote "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt."
 
  • #10
Meanwhile, I think this is worth a sticky, at least until after the elections
 
  • #11
Alright, I agree to act civilized. But they have to do it first.
 
  • #12
Trying to understand the system where you elect electors that will do the electing must be frustrating, no wonder people elect to behave the way they behave.
 
  • #13
Read, and thanks for the reminder Lisa.

Also, even though it may feel like it, if your party doesn't win, its not really the end of the world, I promise. We have survived both Republican and Democrat governments before.
 
  • #14
The least bitter thread on PW&A :smile:
 
  • #15
rootX said:
The least bitter thread on PW&A :smile:

Perhaps reading the rules has a calming effect...
 
  • #16
Vespa71 said:
...
-Self censorship doesn't violate the freedom of speech.
...

Oh! I did that the other day in the "Blasphemy" thread, before it was locked. I'd have received many an infraction for that blasphemous post.

:redface:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNeq2Utm0nU​
 
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  • #17
Borek said:
Trying to understand the system where you elect electors that will do the electing must be frustrating, no wonder people elect to behave the way they behave.
It's not a good system, Borek. The electors are not bound to vote the will of the people who voted in their districts. They can be "unfaithful" and bargain in back rooms to shoehorn a president into office, if they want, despite the preferences of the voters in their district. I should note that some states might bind the electors (I don't know), but the electors have a great deal of leeway to make deals.
 
  • #19
There have been some "faithless electors" who refused to vote for the candidate that they were supposed to vote for, about five in the last forty years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faithless_elector

(if we go any further in this direction, we probably should have a separate thread about the Electoral College.)
 
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  • #20
For the record: I have re-read the rules here.

Furthermore, once I have elaborated some principle that has been discovered by my cult to be true, the discussion is over. If you disagree with that principle, then your reasoning is flawed. If you fail to correct your reasoning (accept the principle) then you are flawed. For such unreformed heretics excommunication is the final solution.

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 

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