Research tool seeks out conflicts

Researchers at Intel are developing a tool which deliberately seeks out conflicts on the internet.

Known as "Think Link," the experimental project automatically seeks out information that is contradictory to that which the user is currently viewing.

When browsing the web, a browser plug-in presents links to additional viewpoints on disputed information or claims.

Researchers suggest that the project could be especially useful to activists looking to gather the latest information on a hotly-debated topic.

They also suggest that the technology could simply be used by everyday users who are sceptical about the information they read online.

Aside from presenting arguments on an issue and presenting opposing viewpoints, the tool also allows users to vote on contradictory information as a means of better refining both sides of the argument.

The Think Link tool is part of a larger project by researchers at Intel's Berkeley Lab to study Confrontational Computing.

Researchers from both Intel and the University of California Berkeley are examining ways that people use the internet to conduct debate and the tools which can further aid them in discussing information online.