How many of us go to read news articles, only to scroll down to the comments section?
I read both, but often find myself reading the comments extensively sometimes to amazement, and other times to disappointment at people’s ignorance and phobias. It is entirely possible that some of those comments may be bots, some may be same persons with multiple accounts trying to rig the system and impose a higher like-minded commentary than is actually real. But reading the comments in relation to any given news article gives you a very distant, and rough estimate of the public perception. Though it is to be taken for observation sake only, and cannot be used as evidence to support or oppose any point of view because the amount of people not commenting may be much larger than the ones commenting. Still interesting nonetheless.
How many of us go to read news articles, only to scroll down to the comments section? :D
I read both, but often find myself reading the comments extensively sometimes to amazement, and other times to disappointment at people's ignorance and phobias. It is entirely possible that some of those comments may be bots, some may be same persons with multiple accounts trying to rig the system and impose a higher like-minded commentary than is actually real. But reading the comments in relation to any given news article gives you a very distant, and rough estimate of the public perception. Though it is to be taken for observation sake only, and cannot be used as evidence to support or oppose any point of view because the amount of people not commenting may be much larger than the ones commenting. Still interesting nonetheless.
Or paid activists promoting/lobbying their cause. AIPAC, J Street, etc use such people extensively.
I didnt pay much attention to comments till 2-3 years back and now i think i dont read entire article rather skim the comments. And yes its really interesting, even for a youtube link.
Especially I used to read comments when Brandon from HONY visited Pak and even for normal stories, it was interesting to read everyone's perspective especially those from west.
And then also if there is any article about Pakistan or Muslims in the western media, the comments are worth reading. It always reminds me how much hate and anger against us is there in this world especially where we live. People know jack and they comment on Islamic teachings just after reading outlines as if they have done thesis on us.
Other than that there are always conflicting issues like recent LGBT rulings, GOP candidates, Obama's policies etc, the comments are totally worth-reading, often far more than actual article :)
