Deliberative transformations of opinion in computer- mediated discussions

The present study focuses on deliberative potential of computer-mediated discussion forums and it approaches this question by linking the course of on-line discussion with its opinion dynamics. It is suggested that the process of opinion transformation, which is central to the theories of deliberative democracy, should be seen as a function of discussion in which it takes place. Computermediated forums are especially appropriate for this because of their tendency to organize dialogic networks of individuals in which opinions about the issues discussed are the main benchmarks of the participants’ identities. This idea was tested with a quantitative analysis of the forum, set up specifically for this study. We were able to operationalize the initial idea by using the so-called deliberative poll. Consistent with the expectations of deliberative democracy about rational expression and sharing of opinion our analyses show a close