Group Polarization and Echo Chambers in #GaijinTwitter Community

Abstract

This study explores the phenomena of group polarization and echo chambers within the context of online discussions among immigrants in Japan, also known asgaijins, specifically within the #GaijinTwitter community. By analyzing the key topics discussed by divergent groups of Twitter users and examining their interactions through qualitative and quantitative approaches, we provide evidence of group polarization. Additionally, we investigate how blocking and sharing screenshots of tweets instead of reacting to them in the standard ways contribute to the formation and perpetuation of online echo chambers.