Cognitive Biases in Online Communication Test - the question form
Questions: 40 · 8 minutes
Select Questionnaire Type
Male form
Female form
1. …you get into a contentious exchange with your opponent?
If I do not win this argument and prove that I am right, then I will lose and show that I am weak.
It would be unpleasant to lose this argument.
I do not think anything (I feel neutral about it).
2. Do you interpret comments in an online group as group "bullying" of a user?
I would be so upset that I would dwell on it for a long time and have difficulty doing anything.
I would feel unpleasant; the world really is often unfair.
I would not think anything about it (I would feel neutral).
3. An online user you do not know has liked your photo and left a positive comment.
The photo really turned out well, but it does not say anything about my attractiveness overall.
It would feel nice, but there are other online users who are more attractive.
I do not think anything about it (it is pleasant).
4. When you are in an argument where the other person overwhelms you with arguments, what do you think?
I cannot accept the other person's point of view because I feel they are lying and completely wrong.
I read and understand the other person's evidence, but my intuition tells me something is not right.
I do not think anything in particular (I either agree with the arguments or look for counterarguments).
5. When someone in an online community’s comments insists for a long time on proving they are right?
This user is a bore.
It is clear the person knows the topic, but they do it in an overly meticulous and boring way.
I do not think anything.
6. You post a new photo, but it does not get many likes or comments.
This reaction to the photo shows that I am unattractive.
It feels unpleasant; maybe this is not my best photo.
I do not think anything about it.
7. When someone does not reply to your private message for a long time?
I am sure the person does not want to talk to me and that is why they are not replying.
The person may have things to do and be busy, but the lack of response still feels unpleasant.
I do not think anything (I stay calm about it).
8. A one-to-one chat feels very sparse and flat?
If the chat was sparse and flat, it means I was not a good enough conversation partner and I am not good at building rapport.
Chats like this make me feel tense and think that I do not always have topics in common with this person, but I also feel a bit like a disengaged conversation partner.
I do not think anything ("that happens").
9. A new person added you as a friend and you started chatting. During the conversation, you made a factual mistake that the other person noticed. What do you think?
It is awful that I made a mistake; I should not make mistakes.
People make mistakes, but mistakes feel unpleasant.
I do not think anything ("everyone makes mistakes").
10. You have been added to a group chat and you do not understand the humor, the communication style, or the situations discussed by others in the chat.
It is an unpleasant situation; it seems to me that I will never be able to communicate freely and understand other people.
I feel uncomfortable; I can try to understand them, but sometimes I feel unable to understand other people.
I do not think anything about it (I continue chatting or leave the chat).
11. Someone posts insulting comments under your photos?
I would feel very ashamed and hurt knowing that someone thinks I am unattractive/not smart/stupid; it could affect my self-esteem.
I would feel upset if negative comments were left under my photos.
I would not think anything about it (I would feel neutral).
12. When you see information about animals that have been mistreated by their owners?
It is disgusting, terrible, and painful to read posts like that; I am afraid to live in such a horrible world.
It would be unpleasant; the world really is often unfair.
I do not think anything (I feel neutral about it).
13. An unfamiliar internet user liked your post or comment in an online community and left positive feedback (e.g., “What an interesting and insightful comment—clearly you’re a smart person!”).
I would agree the comment is good, but I cannot always write like that, so calling me “a smart person” is a somewhat hasty conclusion.
I would feel pleased, but there are also more authoritative and insightful opinions.
I would not think anything (I would feel pleased).
14. When media posts appear about problems at school but provide no evidence that what is described actually happened?
Evidence is not really necessary. I remember my school years and the emotions I experienced, and they speak for themselves.
It is clear that there are not enough supporting arguments, but emotionally I feel that the information is true.
I do not think about it (I scroll past the news feed).
15. …when someone in the comments criticized your comment and provided enough facts to refute it?
I am a loser (ignorant, stupid, etc.).
It is unpleasant to receive that kind of feedback, even if it is rational; I feel like I am not very smart.
I do not think anything (I feel neutral, continue arguing, etc.).
16. Your posts are usually rated positively, but your most recent post received negative feedback.
I feel sad; it means I have stopped posting high-quality information—I am a failure.
It is unpleasant; I would not want to keep posting low-quality content (information, posts, memes, etc.).
I do not think anything about it.
17. A user of the opposite sex likes your photos?
I am sure the person wants to get to know me, because they like me and are interested in me.
It feels good to be viewed positively; sometimes “likes” can be a sign that someone wants to get acquainted.
I do not think anything (it feels good).
18. Have you posted your opinion in the comments (without criticism, trolling, or mocking), and someone replied that your words offended someone?
If my words offended or upset someone, that means I am not tolerant or considerate enough; I need to monitor what I write in comments.
It feels unpleasant, since I was only expressing my opinion tactfully; I should think about where I went too far.
I would not think anything about it (I feel neutral).
19. You decided to start an online blog, but it did not become popular.
Very upsetting; I have to succeed at everything.
It would not be the end of the world if it did not work out, but my failures still leave a mark.
I would not think anything ("no harm in trying").
20. You shared a funny post with someone you know, but they did not get it and criticized your sense of humor?
It feels hurtful; I will never be able to make good jokes and amuse other people.
Sometimes people think differently, but I should reconsider my sense of humor.
I do not think anything about it.
21. You see that, in an online group, a person of your sex, nationality, or race has been mocked using memes.
I would see it as a direct insult and humiliation. A group that mocks people for these characteristics is toxic and intolerant.
I would feel hurt and annoyed, although I see this fairly often. It is unfair.
I would not think anything about it (I feel neutral).
22. …read posts about fires that have happened?
I feel scared and unsafe, because buildings are often not inspected, the wiring may be faulty, and thinking about fire safety is terrifying.
I feel anxious, because things like this often happen in the world.
I do not think anything in particular (I feel neutral).
23. Do people admire your profile on a social network (VK, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)?
The page really is good, but it would hardly be like that without filters, beautiful photos (nature, food, etc.), and Photoshop.
I am pleased that my efforts were appreciated, but there are more perfect pages.
I do not think anything (it feels nice).
24. A fairly large number of people have started following you?
I understand that my online popularity is growing, but I still feel that my page is not good or interesting enough for other people.
It feels good, but my page is not good enough to keep followers.
I do not think anything (it feels good).
25. A user of a different nationality (gender, or age group) posts negative and insulting comments about other users.
It is definitely explained by their nationality/gender/age; otherwise, they would understand people like themselves and would not insult them.
It is unpleasant to read because the aggression is unfounded. At times, it seems to me that nationality/gender/age really do matter in discussions.
I do not think anything about it (I assume the negativity comes mainly from their upbringing and personality).
26. When you find posts online using specific tags and they have a low rating, what do you think?
If information is good and high quality, it is popular and always receives a high rating.
The information may still be useful to me, but the low rating makes me think twice.
I do not think about it (I look for something else or use the information I have found).
27. How would you respond if you came across an entertainment-focused online community where many photos and memes praising cats are posted?
The group administrator and members (based on the likes) do not seem to like dogs very much, and cats are their favorites.
Cat memes are popular and funny right now, but maybe cats are liked more than dogs.
I would not think anything of it.
28. …you posted that physical appearance is an indicator of inner harmony, and you were accused of insulting body-positive ideas?
I realize I did not consider that my thoughts about appearance should not hurt other people. I did not intend to offend anyone or cause distress.
It would be unpleasant, since I was only expressing my opinion tactfully; I should consider where I may have gone too far.
I would not think anything of it (I would take it calmly).
29. A person you know sends you a message, but you do not want to reply (or communicate at all right now). What do you think?
It is rude to be online and ignore them; I should reply.
I may not reply, but I do not want to become the reason the other person worries.
I do not think anything in particular (I do not reply, delete the message, etc.).
30. You read a post about today’s teenagers, saying they have become more independent and ruder toward their parents.
First it is rudeness and refusing to listen to parents, and then it leads to fights, alcoholism, and prison.
Teenagers may have a right to express themselves, but there should be a limit that should not be crossed.
I do not think anything about it (I scroll past and continue with the news feed).
31. If someone you know well (e.g., a classmate, colleague, etc.) removes you from their friends list for no apparent reason?
If they removed me from their friends list, it means the good relationship is over, and I would feel tense around that person.
I would feel upset and confused, because gestures like that are a sign.
I would not think anything about it (I would feel neutral).
32. Someone in a group chat starts criticizing you or making negative comments about you and your messages?
That would be extremely upsetting and awful. I would be so distressed that I would not be able to do anything at all.
I would feel upset; the world really is often unfair.
I would not think anything (I would feel neutral).
33. ...someone gave you a gift or a sticker pack?
Gifts are best given on special occasions and should be more practical; stickers and gifts on social media are an unnecessary waste of money.
I enjoy receiving gifts and gift stickers, but the person could have spent that money on something more necessary.
I do not think anything about it (I am pleased).
34. How do you respond when you come across posts about people who were previously missing and have been found?
I feel very worried that people have been going missing more lately. This information makes me feel down.
I feel happy for them; in today’s world, news about people going missing seems to be appearing more and more often.
I do not think about it (I feel happy, or I just scroll past the news feed).
35. Do you come across an online community that contains content you find unacceptable (information, posts, memes, etc.)?
I am sure it is full of unintelligent / immature / abnormal users.
People have a right to their views and thoughts, no matter how strange they may be.
I do not think anything about it (I do not visit the online community).
36. You visit a blogger’s page (on any social network) and see a fairly large number of followers, reposts, and likes, but also a large number of negative comments.
I think the user posts low-quality or negative content; otherwise there would be more positive comments.
A large number of followers indicates popularity, but a large amount of negativity makes me question the quality of the information the blogger provides.
I do not think anything (I look at their feed or close it).
37. …you were removed from a group chat for no apparent reason?
I am sure people do not want to talk to me, so they isolate me from their circle.
They may have removed me by accident, but it is very unpleasant and makes me feel rejected.
I do not think anything about it (I need to find out what happened).
38. In a group discussion, you shared your opinion and it became a point of contention that led to a serious argument: some participants criticized your view while others defended it.
Very unpleasant. I wish I had not done that—I caused people to argue. I feel guilty.
I was only expressing my opinion; it is worth being more careful with my wording.
I do not think anything about it (my goal was different).
39. When people you know add you as a friend online, and your page contains content (information, posts, memes) that you would not want them to see, what do you think?
I feel ashamed to show my page to these acquaintances. I should not post anything that could make me look bad in their eyes.
It is an unpleasant situation. I may leave my page as it is, without changes, but I should be prepared that they may misunderstand me.
I do not think about it (I leave my page as it is, or I delete content).
40. You read a post saying that social media messages will be monitored to prevent terrorism.
This is terrible! They will know all my secrets. Next they will know my every move, be able to track it, and know every detail of my personal life.
Yes, confidentiality is being violated, but if there are threats, the decision is understandable. I just wouldn't want any part of my life to be on display.
I don't think anything (hardly anyone cares about my personal life).
1. …do you find yourself in a dispute with your opponent?
If I do not win this argument and prove that I am right, then I will lose and show that I am weak.
It would be unpleasant to lose this argument.
I do not think anything (I feel neutral about it).
2. Do you perceive group "bullying" of a user in the comments of an online group?
I would be so distressed that I would dwell on it for a long time and find it difficult to do anything.
It would make me feel upset; the world really is often unfair.
I do not think anything about it (I feel neutral).
3. …an online user you do not know liked and left a positive comment on your photo?
This photo really turned out well, but it does not mean that I am attractive overall.
I would feel pleased, but there are online users who are more attractive.
I would not think anything (I would feel pleased).
4. When you are in an argument and the other person overwhelms you with arguments, what do you think?
I cannot accept the other person’s point of view because I feel they are lying and completely wrong.
I read and understand the other person’s evidence, but I have a gut feeling that something is not right.
I do not think anything in particular (I agree with the arguments or look for counterarguments).
5. When, in an online community’s comment section, someone persistently and at length tries to prove they are right?
This user is a bore.
It is clear the person understands the topic, but they do it in a very meticulous and tedious way.
I do not think anything.
6. You post a new photo, but it does not get many likes or comments.
This response to the photo means I am unattractive.
It is unpleasant; maybe this is not my best photo.
I do not think anything.
7. …someone does not reply to your private message for a long time?
I am sure the person does not want to talk to me and that is why they are not replying.
Maybe the person has things to do and is busy, but it still feels unpleasant to be ignored.
I do not think anything (I stay calm about it).
8. …a private chat is very brief and lacking energy?
The chat was brief and lacking energy, so I must not have been a good conversational partner and I do a poor job of building rapport.
Chats like this make me feel tense and think that I do not always have common topics with this person, but I also feel somewhat like a disengaged conversational partner.
I do not think anything ("it happens").
9. Someone added you as a friend and you started chatting. During the conversation, you made a factual mistake that the other person noticed. What would you think?
It’s awful that I made a mistake; I should not make mistakes.
It’s normal for people to make mistakes, but mistakes feel unpleasant.
I would not think anything ("everyone makes mistakes").
10. You are added to a group chat, and you do not understand the humor, communication style, or situations being discussed?
It is an unpleasant situation. I feel that I will never be able to communicate freely or understand other people.
I feel uncomfortable. I can try to understand them, but sometimes I feel unable to understand other people.
I do not think anything (I continue chatting or leave the chat).
11. Someone posts insulting comments under your photos.
I would feel very ashamed and hurt to know that someone thinks I am unattractive/not smart/stupid; my self-esteem could suffer because of it.
I would feel unpleasant if negative comments were posted under my photos.
I would not think anything about it (I would feel neutral).
12. …see information about animals who have been mistreated by their owners?
It is disgusting, terrible, and painful to read posts like that; I am afraid to live in such a horrible world.
It would upset me; the world really is often unfair.
I do not think anything (I feel neutral).
13. …a stranger online “liked” your post or comment in an online community and left positive feedback (e.g., “What an interesting and insightful comment—it’s obvious you’re a smart person”)?
I would agree the comment is good, but I cannot always write like that, so “a smart person” is a somewhat hasty conclusion.
I would feel pleased, but there are also more authoritative and more insightful opinions.
I would not think anything about it (I would feel pleased).
14. When posts about school-related problems appear in the media but provide no evidence for what happened, what do you think?
Evidence is not really needed. I remember my school years and the emotions I experienced, and they speak for themselves.
It is clear that arguments are lacking, but emotionally I feel the information is true.
I do not think anything about it (I scroll past the news feed).
15. When someone in the comments criticized your comment and provided enough facts to refute it?
I am a failure (uninformed, stupid, etc.).
It is unpleasant to receive that kind of feedback, even if it is rational; I feel not very smart.
I do not think anything (I feel neutral, keep arguing, etc.).
16. Your posts are often rated positively, but your most recent post received negative feedback.
I feel sad; it means I have stopped posting quality information—I am a failure.
I feel upset; I would not want to continue posting low-quality content (information, posts, memes, etc.).
I do not think anything about it.
17. A user of the opposite sex likes your photos.
I am sure the person wants to get acquainted with me, because I spark their liking and interest.
It feels good to be positively rated; sometimes “likes” are a sign that a person may want to get acquainted.
I do not think about it (I feel pleased).
18. Have you posted your opinion in a comment (without criticism, trolling, or mocking), and then been told in reply that your words upset someone?
If my words upset or touched a nerve with someone, that means I am not tolerant or empathetic enough; I need to monitor my comments.
It feels unpleasant; I was only expressing my opinion tactfully. I should think about where I may have gone too far.
I would not think anything about it (I feel neutral).
19. You decided to start an online blog, but it did not become popular?
Very unpleasant; I must succeed at everything.
It is not the end of the world if it does not work out, but my failures leave a mark.
I do not think anything about it ("nothing ventured, nothing gained").
20. You shared a funny post with someone you know, but they did not understand it and criticized your sense of humor.
It feels hurtful; I will never be able to joke well and make other people laugh.
Sometimes people think in different ways, but I should reconsider my sense of humor.
I do not think anything.
21. Do you see someone of your sex, nationality, or race being mocked in an online group using internet memes?
This is a direct insult and humiliation. A group that mocks people for these characteristics is toxic and lacks tolerance.
I would feel hurt and annoyed, although I encounter this quite often. It is unfair.
I do not think anything about it (I feel neutral).
22. Do you read posts about fires that have happened?
I feel scared and unsafe, because buildings are often not inspected, the wiring may be faulty, and safety procedures are frightening.
I feel anxious, because things like this often happen in the world.
I do not think about anything (I feel neutral).
23. Do people admire your social media profile (e.g., VKontakte, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)?
My page is indeed good, but it would hardly be like that without filters, attractive photos (nature, food, etc.), and Photoshop.
I am pleased that my efforts were appreciated, but there are more perfect pages.
I do not think anything about it (I feel pleased).
24. A fairly large number of people have followed you?
I realize that my online popularity is growing, but I still feel that my page is not good enough or interesting enough for other people.
It feels nice, but my page is not good enough to keep followers.
I do not think anything about it (it feels nice).
25. A user of a different nationality (gender, or age group) posts negative and insulting comments about other users.
It is definitely due to their nationality/gender/age; otherwise they would understand people like themselves and would not insult them.
It is unpleasant to read because the aggression is unfounded. At times, it seems to me that nationality/gender/age really can matter in discussions.
I do not think anything specific (I believe the negativity mainly reflects their upbringing and character).
26. When you find posts online using the specified tags, and they have a low rating, what do you think?
If information is good and high-quality, it is popular and always rated highly.
The information may still be suitable for me, but the low rating gives me something to think about.
I do not think anything in particular (I look for another one or use the information I have already found).
27. You come across an online entertainment community where many photos and memes praising cats are posted. What do you think?
The group administrator and members (based on the likes) do not really like dogs, and cats are their favorite.
Cat memes are popular and funny right now, but it may be that cats are liked more than dogs.
I do not think anything.
28. …you posted that appearance is a sign of inner harmony, and you were accused of insulting body-positivity ideas?
I really did not think that my thoughts about appearance might hurt other people; I did not mean to offend anyone with my post or cause anyone distress.
It is unpleasant, because I was only expressing my opinion tactfully; I should consider where I may have gone too far.
I do not think anything (I feel calm about it).
29. A friend sends you a message, but you do not want to reply (or to communicate at all at the moment).
It is rude to be online and ignore the message; I should reply.
I may not reply, but I do not want to become the object of another person's distress.
I do not think about anything (I do not reply, delete the message, etc.).
30. You read a post about today’s teenagers, saying they have become more independent and more rude toward their parents.
It starts with rudeness and refusing to listen to parents, and then it leads to fights, alcoholism, and prison.
Teenagers may have a right to self-expression, but there should still be limits that should not be crossed.
I do not think anything about it (I scroll on to other news content).
31. If someone you know well (e.g., a classmate, colleague) removes you from their friends list for no apparent reason?
If they removed me from their friends list, it means the good relationship is over, and I would feel tense toward that person.
I would feel upset and confused, because such actions are a sign of something.
I would not think anything of it (I would feel neutral).
32. Someone in a group conversation starts criticizing you or making negative comments about you and your messages?
It is very unpleasant and terrible. I would be so upset that I would not be able to do anything at all.
It would be unpleasant; the world really is often unfair.
I do not think anything about it (I respond neutrally).
33. Someone gave you a gift or a sticker pack?
Gifts are better given on special occasions and should be more practical; stickers and gifts on social media are an unnecessary waste of money.
I like receiving gifts and gift stickers, but the person could have spent that money on something more necessary.
I do not think anything about it (it feels nice).
34. Do you come across posts about people who have been found after previously being reported missing?
I feel very worried that people have been going missing more often lately. This information makes me feel down.
I feel happy for these people; in the modern world, news about people going missing is appearing more and more often.
I do not think about it (I feel pleased, or I scroll past the news feed).
35. You come across an online community that contains content you find unacceptable (e.g., information, posts, memes). What do you think?
I am sure the people there are unintelligent/immature/abnormal users.
People have the right to their own views and thoughts, no matter how strange they may be.
I do not think anything (I do not visit the online community).
36. You visit a blogger’s page (on any social network) and see a large number of followers, reposts, and likes, but also many negative comments.
I think the user posts low-quality or negative content; otherwise there would be more positive comments.
A large number of followers suggests they are popular, but the large amount of negativity makes me question the quality of the information the blogger provides.
I do not think anything (I either browse their feed or close it).
37. You were removed from a group chat for no apparent reason?
I am sure people do not want to talk to me, so they are excluding me from their circle.
Maybe I was removed by accident, but it is very upsetting; you feel rejected.
I do not think anything about it (I need to figure it out).
38. In a group discussion, you posted your opinion and it became a flashpoint for others, leading to a serious argument: some criticized your view while others defended it. What do you think?
It is very unpleasant; I wish I had not done that—I caused people to argue. I feel guilty.
I was only expressing my opinion; I should be more careful about my wording.
I do not think anything about it (my goal was different).
39. People you know add you as friends, and your page contains content (information, posts, memes) that you would not want them to see.
I feel ashamed to show my page to these people. I should not post anything that could make me look bad in their eyes.
It is an unpleasant situation. I may leave my page as it is, without changes, but I should be prepared for the possibility that I will be misunderstood.
I do not think anything about it (I leave my page as it is, or I delete some content).
40. You read a post saying that social media messages will be monitored to prevent terrorism.
Terrible! They will know all my secrets. Next they will know my every move, be able to track it, and know every detail of my private (!) life.
Confidentiality is obviously being violated, but if there are threats, the decision is understandable. I just would not want any part of my life to be on display.
I do not think anything about it (hardly anyone cares about my private life).