Expressions of Doubt in Online News Discussions

Online discussions about politics and current events play a growing role in public life, they can foster positive outcomes (e.g., civic engagement political participation) negative hostility polarization). The present research examines how the use of doubtful (vs. confident) language influences behavior online events. We examine effects on comment popularity (i.e., recommendations from other users) emotional subsequent replies. data 1.9 million user comments New York Times website. Comments containing were less popular, receiving fewer recommendations. Additionally, replies to (containing emotions emotions). These results suggest that although authors are likely be recommended by users, may an important helping civility discussions.