Contagion Mechanisms and Emotional Group Polarization Outcomes of Online Toxicity: An Information Ecology Perspective

Han Luo, Xiao Meng, School of Journalism and New Media, an Jiaotong University, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Social Science Computer Review

Published online on April 04, 2026

Abstract

Social Science Computer Review, Ahead of Print.
Drawing on information ecology theory, this study investigates how online toxicity spreads and drives emotional group polarization in Reddit discussions surrounding the Israel–Palestine conflict. Based on a dataset comprising 8,725 posts and 1,628,366 ...