What is it in the human psyche that makes us so compelled to argue a point?

[Relic]

Serious question. I'm trying to think of a way to phrase this so it doesn't come across corny...

Example - I start a thread saying that I like P-basses and think they are the greatest basses ever. A few others post how they like them as well and we start to "talk" about P-basses and our experience with them. Almost without fail, someone else will to be absolutely compelled to post that J-basses are better - there's the trigger. Now, the whole thread will slowly spiral into the P-bass vs J-bass battle with people getting pissed with the other sides' opinions, trying to explain their opinions in various ways as though theirs is somehow more valid or insightful leading to the P or J bass side aiming to "win" the argument. Then when no one budges and it almost seems to stalemate, the focus changes to discrediting others to (I guess) invalidate their opinion. The focus might be on grammatical errors or the way something is said, etc etc.
This make sense?
Now, this can be about anything, not just basses. Historical events, cats vs dogs, basically anything where there are a variety of strong opinions.

WHY is that? By that I mean, what in the human condition leads us to have to overpower and win a perceived "battle" of opinions? What difference does it really make? Is this somehow a survival instinct of some sort??

Good psychological trait to ponder...

[5StringBlues]

You're totally wrong dude.




EDIT: Sorry,that was totally predictable.

[CrispyDelicious]

I got as far as 'P-bass' and stopped reading. Everyone knows J-basses are better.

[Relic]

Originally Posted by CrispyDelicious

I got as far as 'P-bass' and stopped reading. Everyone knows J-basses are better.

(sample)

Why is "P-bass" in single quotes and "J-bass" not in quotes at all??

Your grammar is questionable therefore your opinion is less valuable, ergo - P-basses are better.

[jmattbassplaya]

This reminds me of this single frame comic I read once that had a man in a room on his computer with his wife at the door to the room and the wife was saying, "Honey, it's 2 in the morning. Come to bed already," and the guy responded with, "Not now. Somebody's wrong on the internet."

[macaroni tony]

dude, you're obviously still pissed about the cats. whatever point you're trying to make is invalid

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by Relic

Serious question. I'm trying to think of a way to phrase this so it doesn't come across corny...

Example - I start a thread saying that I like P-basses and think they are the greatest basses ever. A few others post how they like them as well and we start to "talk" about P-basses and our experience with them. Almost without fail, someone else will to be absolutely compelled to post that J-basses are better - there's the trigger. Now, the whole thread will slowly spiral into the P-bass vs J-bass battle with people getting pissed with the other sides' opinions, trying to explain their opinions in various ways as though theirs is somehow more valid or insightful leading to the P or J bass side aiming to "win" the argument. Then when no one budges and it almost seems to stalemate, the focus changes to discrediting others to (I guess) invalidate their opinion. The focus might be on grammatical errors or the way something is said, etc etc.
This make sense?
Now, this can be about anything, not just basses. Historical events, cats vs dogs, basically anything where there are a variety of strong opinions.

WHY is that? By that I mean, what in the human condition leads us to have to overpower and win a perceived "battle" of opinions? What difference does it really make? Is this somehow a survival instinct of some sort??

Good psychological trait to ponder...

More of a bad psychological trait to ponder. Some people just refuse to acknowledge that their argument can be wrong, whether fundamentally or subjectively. Subjectively being far worse.

There are certain things in life that are black and white. For some, black is right, and for others, white. They stand at two opposite sides of the fence and will never reach a consensus. Why? Pride most likely, and the misperceived notion that being wrong has any affect on ones pride. Why? Becuase you're wrong and people dont like to be admit to being wrong.

A lot of people misconceive ignorance as some sort of fallibility and would rather be 'wrong' than ignorant. In reality, ignorance is only a state of being unaware. Rather than admitting ignorance, some people choose to argue their 'wrong' point of few until others see them as being 'right'. We call this saving face.

More, tonite at 11.

[shadowtippy]

Some of is are always right and no other opinion matters. Some of you will never be right and have no business having an opinion at all. Of course, that's just my opinion and I may be wrong.

[hdracer]

I think it is more that some people just can not help but stick their nose into something that does not concern them. If a thread is about P basses and a lot of people are saying how much they like them and you don't, just move on. It drives me nuts sometimes.

[EBodious]

maybe some of it has to do with the stuff discussed in the snap judgement thread. we react strongly at first. of course, once you are in debate, its hard to get out.

maybe some of it has to do with hypocracy. we all have our hypocritical moments or habits. getting called on it sux. it may drive the need to defend oneself?

pride certainly plays a role.

i don't know, but, it is messing up my current relationship.

[Asa Samuel]

We're all horrible, w&£%*&g, m*"&!rf&$^&"g c*£&tf&£^s ?

[Relic]

Originally Posted by macaroni tony

dude, you're obviously still pissed about the cats. whatever point you're trying to make is invalid

LOL! That's actually where I started pondering this. I was actually starting to get pissed, then I'm sitting there wondering why??
It makes no sense to me. It's like there's some sort of illogical "need" to be right or something. In the grand scheme of things, what difference does it make?

[Relic]

Originally Posted by hdracer

I think it is more that some people just can not help but stick their nose into something that does not concern them. If a thread is about P basses and a lot of people are saying how much they like them and you don't, just move on. It drives me nuts sometimes.

Yes, that's on track but my question is WHY someone would feel so compelled to butt into a thread about P basses just to claim that J basses are better? What is it that drives someone to do that?

[codeinedreams]

couldn't resist:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y&NR=1

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by shadowtippy

Some of is are always right and no other opinion matters. Some of you will never be right and have no business having an opinion at all. Of course, that's just my opinion and I may be wrong.

Im telling Just Learning!

[zenrad]

Insecurity.

[knumbskull]

old, but relevant:

[shadowtippy]

Matticus: It may turn out that I end up with a couple of reasons for "blue balls" if you do.

[DrSmaggs]

I like P basses, PJ basses, JJ basses and PB&J basses.... extra crunchy!

[MakiSupaStar]

Arguing is what people do on the Internet when they can't look at pron.