Caterina Fake, co-founder of Flickr and Hunch, has clarified her stance on comments sections in online platforms. She asserts that comments sections, while originally designed to foster community and dialogue, have become a breeding ground for hostility and negativity. Fake believes that the anonymity provided by these platforms has led to a decline in civil discourse, with users feeling empowered to make derogatory and offensive comments without fear of repercussion. This, she says, has led to a toxic environment that deters meaningful interaction and discussion. Fake argues that the onus is on platform creators to design systems that encourage positive interaction and discourage destructive behaviour. She suggests that one possible solution could be to eliminate anonymity, thereby making users accountable for their comments. In addition, she proposes that platforms could implement systems that reward positive interaction and penalise negative behaviour. Fake concludes by stating her belief that the internet should be a place for constructive dialogue and community building, not a platform for hate speech and negativity.
Go to source article: http://caterina.net/2016/03/22/comments-sections-a-clarification/