As our understanding of online dialogue grows, so does its evolution.

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On Redditsr/changemyview(CMV) subreddit, examples like these are the rule, not the exception.

Reddit’s r/changemyview is a template for how all online discussion should be

For overweight people, the danger isnt as immediate.

And when there is, theyre treated accordingly the same as those with an eating disorder like anorexia.

CMV gamifies this healthy conversation in many ways.

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Redditors can monitor their standing on the deltaboard located in the sidebar next to each post.

CMV is also vehemently against using the forum as a sounding board as opposed to a discussion channel.

Anyone posting is expected to engage with commenters who challenge their view.

Most important, though, is Rule 2: dont be rude or hostile to other users.

Strict enforcement helps to prevent hostility-triggering stimuli that often provokes the kind of feuds youd see on social media.

The study found that those resistant to hearing opposing viewpoints had more activity in the amygdala and insular cortex.

The former is the area of the brain that triggers an emotional response to an otherwise rational conversation.

Those who dont adhere to the rules face a three-day ban.

My time spent browsing this particular subreddit left me wondering what we could learn from it.

The answer, though, remains unclear.

CMV relies on a heavy-handed approach to moderation thats unlikely to appeal to larger networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Criticism surrounding censorship is something CMV mods deal with regularly, admits Convoces.

Its users frequently accuse the subreddits moderators of ideological bias.

What could work, though, is a way to incentivize those who contribute to productive discussions.

Convoces points out that a badge system like those used on popular video games could work.

Both Overwatch and League of Legendsaward badgesbased on prosocial behavior, though its unclear how well they work.

Weve reached out to Blizzard to find out, but have yet to receive a response.

So where does that leave us?

We have a prototype.

Story byBryan Clark

Bryan is a freelance journalist.Bryan is a freelance journalist.

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