[epolanski]

There's a lot of scientific evidence that negative and controversial content has multiple psychological effects of high emotional arousal, triggers the confrontation effect and toxicity breeds retention.

We're more likely to keep arguing here when disagreeing than to agree and add much.

And again, this isn't limited to internet but irl too.

[redserk]

It depends how you want to measure engagement and activity. Quality of discussion is something to consider. It's very difficult to have a proper discussion when all of the responses are the same expected replies to low-effort ragebait.