Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Thesis

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Stephen Barnard

Second Advisor

Stephen Barnard

Abstract

Within the context of a particularly polarized time-period in the U.S., this project aims to better understand the public sphere’s ability to converse, debate, and rationalize beliefs in online discussion spaces that are designed to invite opposing viewpoints. Epistemic structures, feedback loops, and a growing animosity toward one’s political opponents have crafted an environment in which right-wing and left-wing individuals have developed incompatible constructions of reality, thus eliminating the possibility of compromise. As the public sphere attempts to engage in their civic duty to debate and come to a collective agreement, the hindering effects of polarization are visible though online forums discussing politics. How might the effects of partisan news and other epistemic structures appear in online discussion spaces? Additionally, given the differing media habits, how do these groups with different opinions support their arguments?

Three Reddit threads discussing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from the year of 2025 have been selected from three subreddit communities each: r/AskDemocrats, r/AskTrumpSupporters, and r/changemyview. Within the relevant threads, replies that are most likely to be seen by users have been chosen for analysis. These posts have been labeled based on their stance on DEI; whether or not they make a claim, use a source, or use a hypothetical; and their main argument. This data helped to identify common community-supported arguments and better understand how arguments are rationalized. It also might give insight into the consequences of engaging in an unsolvable debate.

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