R+S regulars, have you ever thought about the psychological/social aspect of R+S?

Question

I'm not just talking about the crazy people. :P

But the kind of mind manipulation that goes on.

Have you ever asked a question a certain way, so you could get a certain kind of response? Ever feel more obligated to answer a question condemning your faith? Or, have you noticed how after staying a while in R+S can alter your view of "the other side"? i.e. How Christians see atheists, and vice versa.

I like to try and leave my questions open to interpretation. I'm not really here to get answers, I'm here because I like to see how you guys think :)

Thank you in advance for your answrs and feel free to give more examples if you can think of any

Answer 1

I asked a question the other day whether people believe that R&S creates or attracts extremists (on any side of the fence), and I believe it does. Yes, there are some moderates here, but when I came here, I was a passive atheist, bordering on indifference. My view of Christianity (not Christians) has dropped so dramatically since I began participating here, that it has made me a borderline militant atheist.

The internet brings anonymity, and with that anonymity comes honesty. I think that many of us speak our minds without fear of repercussion, and it has either reinforced what we already believed, or changed our minds for the worse to those with an opposite viewpoint.

Answer 2

I find the psychological and social aspects of this board to be interesting enough that I will ask most questions about society on this board alone because perceptions vary so greatly here.

When I ask a question, I always try to keep it neutral without my own opinions contained therein because I wish to see responses from all different types of people. In that regard also, I pick a best answer from what I feel answers the specific question in the best way regardless of my own thoughts and opinions.

Answer 3

That is a great point, I am sure that people tend to rethink their own ideas as being wrong. It can certainly have either a positive or negative influence on a person.

I guess I ask questions because I would like opinions, insight, and yes, I also like to see how people think. And maybe, my answers can help someone that really needs a positive lift....

Great question...

Answer 4

Yeah, it's changed the way I think about "the other side", but isn't that what this is supposed to be about? I mean otherwise all the wackos on here who are only here saying "I'm right, you're wrong, end of story" would win. How can anyone who thinks their point of view is accurate expect to convince others if they don't know what others really believe? And a natural consequence of learning what others really believe is that your perspective of them changes. I mean, I may still believe my pov is the correct one, but now I can understand where others are coming from a little better and I'm not as quick to think they are "evil, bad, misguided souls who are only here to draw others down to their level."
Even though I don't like a lot of what goes on here, I've learned a lot about the points of view of others and for me that's what it's all about.

Answer 5

Yes. Unfortunately, R+S regulars that are completely off the deep end fundie Xians have biased my view of all Xians. And it takes a bit of time to rectify that this is an extreme group. I would find it very hard to believe that a large amount of Xians are this hateful and bigotted.

Answer 6

My short time in R&S has given me a little more insight into the "other side". It has also made me question myself, some things I do and believe and how I perceive things. I come away with more questions than answers.

Answer 7

I actually have doubted my faith once from this site, that is why babes in Christ should stay away. But I like it because it makes me study God's word and find answers.

Answer 8

What's Southpaw rabbiting on about now?

Answer 9

it's VERY much a social/psychological construct, and would make for some great experiments..