Confirmation bias I would believe. Most people had rather sit around and discuss topics without being challenged on every single issue and also discuss topics they are personally interested in. I like guns, like talkin about them, like seeing em, so this place makes sense.
The problem with confirmation bias is that it can cause a herd mentality to become overwhelming. If I were to take 1 (or even a few) middle of the road ant-gunner and sit down with them face to face I am sure we could have an adult conversation, and in the end I could probably shed some light on my views, and perhaps vice versa. However, in most "social media" settings as soon as a moderately dissenting opinion is thrown out then the voice is drowned by the hordes who have zero desire for discourse and only show up for the confirmation of their own views.
Heck, we have seen it here a few times and admittedly I have probably been on the swarm side more than I should have. I have considered joining an anti-gun forum, but to be honest, I just dont have the time for the aggravation. I find my different opinion on topics here covers and need/desire for conflict without seeking it out amongst those who have zero care for honest debate. Because, if I really think about it, most people who are on the fence/neutral about a topic like gun control aren't going to join a social media group dedicated to it. For the same reason I dont follow motorcycle forums, fishing forums, car forums, or any number of other forums.
This whole response isn't necessarily directed just at Me., but what I have noticed about some of what I consider to be "trolls" in general (and on this board) is that their tune and timing never changes. They have no wiggle room whatsoever. I follow a few local politicians on social media because I know them personally...these folks could post up that they found the cure for cancer and within 2 minutes their detractors are on them like a tick on a hound for some contrived reason. On here, they are especially easy to spot (for me anyway) because they never comment outside of controversial topics. This site gets dozens of new threads every day...yet certain people only pop up when something moderately fits their narrow view of society.