Oh, ok. Got it.
I hope this is not too long.
I think there is a possibility that the forum could experience significant challenges if the ignore button is used 'liberally'. I apologise for not being clear earlier. When I mentioned the potential collapse, I was referring to the potential difficulties that could arise from a communication standpoint if a large number of members relied on this feature too much when or after interacting with others.
Such widespread liberal use of the ignore feature could lead to fragmented conversations and reduced engagement within the forum. It might contribute to the formation of echo chambers and polarisation, reinforcing existing biases that some members might hold against others. People may form judgments about ignored members based on a limited view of their contributions within a single thread, without considering the person as a whole.
The liberal use of the ignore feature by most might limit exposure to diverse perspectives, exacerbating polarisation further. Ignored members may not have the opportunity to clarify their viewpoints, and other members may not be open to receiving such clarifications. This could weaken the sense of community and shared experience within the forum.
If the encouragement of using the ignore button becomes prevalent for the wrong reasons, it could have a significant impact on the dynamics and interactions within the forum.
I now realise that my choice of the word 'collapse' may have been inappropriate, I apologize for that. If not collapse, then significantly diminished to the point where many members might leave.