The Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have led to an increase in disinformation and polarization on Czech Facebook, as well as other social media platforms around the world. The willingness to engage in online discussions decreases during times of crisis, according to researchers Martina Novotná and Alena Macková, while skepticism towards those with opposing views grows.

During the pandemic, disinformation and conspiracy theories spread rapidly, leading to an increase in intolerant comments on Czech Facebook. However, Novotná notes that highly intolerant comments containing serious attacks such as racism or death threats only appear in about 8% of monitored posts, which is a positive trend.

On the other hand, comments containing milder forms of attacks, such as profanity or personal attacks, are becoming more common. These comments make up 59% of posts from selected discussion threads appearing on Facebook pages of politicians or news sites.

Personal characteristics play a role in the perception of what is acceptable and what crosses the line. More assertive participants in online discussions view profanity as an element of fun or a response to rude comments. Conversely, people who are less sure of their opinions tend to avoid conflict and may disappear from the public space.

According to Macková, the fact that vulgar comments are often supported by arguments providing an explanation of opinions and attitudes is also positive. This suggests that there is still room for constructive debate and that people are still willing to express their views, even if they resort to using profanity or personal attacks.

During both the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, discussions on Czech Facebook were characterized by vigorous exchanges between two main currents of opinion. The perceived polarity of opinion led to mutual misunderstanding and reluctance to listen to each other or discuss together. As a result, willingness to engage in online discussions on social networks decreased, as people became skeptical of opposing views.

In conclusion, the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have led to an increase in disinformation, polarization, and intolerance on Czech Facebook. While there is still room for constructive debate, people must be mindful of the language they use and the impact it can have on others. It is essential to foster an environment of respectful dialogue and open-mindedness, especially during times of crisis.

Article by Prague Forum