In the digital age where information technology is deeply integrated into social life, non-rational online expression among university students has become a prominent problem in digital civility cultivation. Based on contemporary online public discourse phenomena and relevant theoretical research, this paper systematically analyzes its multidimensional manifestations: cognitively, algorithm-induced information narrowing and simplistic stereotypical thinking; affectively, emotion-driven group position alignment and excessive moralized emotional catharsis; behaviorally, group polarization in online interactions and instrumentalized reporting due to insufficient rights awareness. It elaborates negative implications: hindering critical thinking and information discernment, eroding rational public discourse, and challenging social trust and legal awareness cultivation. From technology, environment, and individual psychology, it deconstructs formative mechanisms: algorithmic shaping of cognitive boundaries, gaps in family and school digital literacy education, online projection of social transformation mentality, and interaction between cognitive closure needs and group identity. Finally, focusing on digital civility and legal awareness, it proposes educational pathways: integrating algorithmic literacy into core competencies, transforming ideological education into dialogical practice, strengthening rights boundary education, and fostering a rational and inclusive campus culture, aiming to guide young students to become rational digital citizens.
Cheng Ping (Thu,) studied this question.