Yeah, this is a super common theme from queer people in small rural and/or religious communities. Online may be the only interaction they have for information and support.
this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2026
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This is why we have so much tribalism, polarization and extremism today too though. People find their information bubble, gets validated for the shit they say (i.e. emotional support), feel good about it so they post more and more extreme shit and validate (give emotional support) to others in the bubble.
Now you have an extremist movement. Getting emotional support/validation from strangers on the internet is not always a good thing. Even if it makes you feel less anxious. Some people should feel anxious about the things they think about.
The reason we have so much extremism today is people are more desperate and angry, not that strangers on the internet validating one another.
It can be both. I am certain that there isn't one explanation for it. What i describe is the feedback loop. What you describe is the initial conditions. Combined they spell disaster.
No, what you describe is being utterly derailed in your understanding of people by the distractions rightwing billionaires dangle infront of us to keep us from having a real conversation about why we are all suffering.
Were at a point where you are not discussing the same thing but this might give some clarity
He's describing a general idea of extremist self validation of violent and hateful rhetoric in some online spaces that can, and at times, do lead to "extremism" (I hate the word but its here)
Both the inital post, and you, are pointing out that what is being discussed in the OP (which I imagine this person has not actually read, and was intellectually pointing out some personal misery) (which I do understand for the record) is, that validation, in the sense of well meant and applied validating of ones human self or for having human experiences outside the "norm" (or inside it frankly) and being happier is not pushing people to extremism and doesn't even apply by association to that version of validation so don't do that type thing
So yeah you are absolutely right there 💯
Appreciated the heated discussion and wanted to help clearify things there 👍✌💪
I'm willing to buy into this interpretation, your explanation seems plausible at a minimum.
You beat me to it. You're spot on
lmao you know what else reduces anxiety?
sufficient sleep,
peace instead of war,
working part time instead of full time,
having access to water, food and shelter,
hugs and social gatherings,
singing together,
having enough free time to relax,
creating without pressure,
being able to pay bills for health,
thank me later
Jumping infront of a train it is.
Researcher finds that support from community reduces anxiety, up next abuse is bad.
To paraphrase Homer Simpson:
“…the cause of, and solution to, all life’s problems.”
I believe that the negatives of social media far outweigh this perceived positive.
Lol. The idea that anyone receives emotional support on social media is the funniest shit I've heard all decade
Haha fuck science, amirite?
The most shocking part in all of this was finding out that Arkansas had a university. I'm sure they do the best science.