Building common ground in a wildly webbed world: a pattern language approach

The purpose of this paper is to help bridge the digital divide that arises from people having such different viewpoints that little communication is possible, even though all have access to the internet and speak the same language.

The method is to catalog the best practices in collaboration and cooperation in the form of a pattern language. After describing pattern languages, some examples are given.

People have been trying to cooperate in many cultures over many centuries, and there are many the best practices that can be useful to find a common ground.

The patterns suggested do not easily allow empirical and objective A/B testing.

Any pattern or guideline will be applied by most people in most contexts. There will always be practical limitations in the appropriate scope of application.

A more widespread use of the patterns should help heal the divisiveness in society.

While pattern languages have been used in many fields, this is the first attempt to do so in fostering civil engagement.