Group 1 - The internet, initially seen as a platform for free information exchange, has become a vehicle for the spread of misinformation and harmful content due to the demand side of bad information being overlooked [1][3] - The overwhelming amount of information available online has led individuals to rely on cognitive shortcuts, prioritizing cultural identity and group belonging over rational judgment [3][8] - The "scapegoat mechanism," as theorized by René Girard, explains how societies channel collective violence and tension towards outsiders or minorities to restore order and unity [6][8] Group 2 - The dynamics of information dissemination have shifted, with emotional and identity-driven content gaining precedence over complex and valuable ideas, leading to a rise in "antimemes"—important ideas that are difficult to spread [11][12] - Users are increasingly retreating to private, low-risk communication environments, seeking safety from the aggressive and volatile nature of public discourse on the internet [13][15] - The transformation of the internet from a marketplace of ideas to a battleground of opinions has profound implications for public discourse and the ability to address significant societal issues [13][15]