So, this is something that's been on my mind for a long time. Do gaming sites like VGChartz and others tend to radicalize members? By radicalize, I mean to shift an opinion toward one extreme end of a spectrum.

Before you began posting here (or elsewhere) were you more moderate in your opinions? More open-minded? Did the clash of opinions on a video game forum like VGChartz make those opinions more extreme and/or inflexible? 

Or was it the other way around? Did the free exchange of ideas and viewpoints on forums like this one soften the intensity of your opinions? Did you find yourself open increasingly to different ideas and perspectives? 

I'm curious to hear your experiences. Have you become more radical in your opinions and communication since joining the site? Or more moderate? And why do you think that is?

I think people with extreme opinions just congregate together on websites, like IGN and GameFAQs etc because that's where all of the other cultists hang out. As for here, my opinions haven't really changed at all since I started coming here, other people don't really influence it, though it can be changed if people make sense obviously. Here I don't really post anything "controversial" because the mods are so strict, I usually just laugh at people and move on, whereas on another website I'd reply to them. It doesn't seem worth it here for some reason, idk why

I'm open minded, I think. But all it takes is one comment that somebody disagrees with and suddenly I'm a "__ ____ fanboy" or a "_________ hater". All I do is post my opinions!

Well forums havn't changed my opinion on things too much so not really

I still express my own opinions, while being open-minded to others.

My opinions have remained relatively unchanged, even after being on this site for about a year.

The entire internet, with its anonymity and general low level of risk of retaliation, is a hotbed for people to just spew their "far left" or "far right" opinions. Something is either awesome or it sucks. Politicians are either saviors or war criminals. There is no in between.

This forum is no different.

This is an interesting question. The ability to stay neutral is damn near impossible in life but in text it's literally impossible. In attempting to take a central position against the majority that are on the extreme opposites is courting double fire. If you neither agree entirely or disagree entirely then those with 'extreme' views will immediately position you at the opposite extreme. This of course builds an even stronger membership of extreme views because it takes guts to stand alone.

To take extreme emotion to make a point (yes I know it's ironic): If you love something then you are assured to have at least one side with you so it's a 1 V 1 situation, and of course the reverse is also true: If you hate something then you are assured to have at least one side with you so it's a 1 V 1 situation. Both scenarios are tenable positions and make extremes a more attractive proposition. If you take a neutral position you are likely to have a 2 V 1 situation which makes it extremely hard to maintain what you consider a tenable position. To stand alone against the norm is not easy, and it is made harder because 'sometimes' your views on something ARE the complete opposite which gives those with a completely black and white view room to criticise your stance by calling you a hypocrite.

The compartmentalisation of ideas and thoughts is a very rare ability. To be able to discuss ONE issue without someone from the extreme side suddenly bringing in another unrelated issue is the main reason forums have gotten so radicalised.

Yup this right here is a correct statement.

On forums and comment section neutral comments tend to go ignored. People engage the radical statements like "We should nuke Iran!" or something similar and the whole discussion goes on a tangent. People in general like to view opposing views as caricatures, and when they find them they leap onto them discarding more nuanced and subtle opposition.

Thoughtful discussion takes time and energy, mindless arguing or mocking is fast and easy with no effort.

Very interesting take. 

I can tell you I wish there were more nuanced posts on this and other forums. Seeing things in black and white doesn't allow much room for debate.

So what can members do about it? Is it about trying new and different things? Taking the time to reflect on our tastes and opinions? Giving opposing viewpoints more respect?