The system consists of virtual representations of a handful of people that react to what a person is currently reading, writing, or talking about. These "digital personas" are constructed automatically by analyzing personal texts (such as interviews/blogs/messages posted by the person being modeled) using natural language processing techniques and the Open Mind Common Sense knowledge base. The "What Would They Think?" system has several applications. For example, it can help a person form a deep understanding of a community that is new to them by constantly showing them the attitudes and disagreements of strong personalities of that community. Other applications include virtual "mentors" or "guides," and knowledge-sharing in communities and workgroups.