While ethos and pathos appeals play a significant role in shaping online discourse and polarization, it is essential to consider alternative factors that could also contribute to this phenomenon. One potential counter-argument is the influence of external events, such as political developments, social movements, or media coverage, which can amplify existing divisions and fuel polarization independent of rhetorical appeals.
Moreover, the role of cognitive biases, confirmation bias, and echo chambers in online interactions cannot be overlooked. These psychological factors may reinforce existing beliefs and attitudes, leading to polarization even in the absence of explicit ethos and pathos appeals. Investigating the interplay between cognitive biases and rhetorical strategies in the corpora can provide insights into their combined impact on polarization.
Additionally, the structural features of online platforms, algorithms, and moderation policies can shape the nature of discussions and contribute to polarization. The design of the platform, including the visibility of content, recommendation systems, and community guidelines, can influence the spread of persuasive appeals and the formation of polarized groups. Analyzing these structural elements alongside ethos and pathos appeals in the corpora can help disentangle their respective contributions to polarization.