Why do we bother arguing online

[Dr. Cheese]

While an energized discussions can be fun, we all know it take two to tango. While some people come in with no intention of engaging in a productive discussion, other folks will get drawn in by those folks and add fuel to things (myself included) and that's 50% of the problem.

I am trying to get better at getting out or not engaging when that sort of thing starts to happen and I find myself getting drawn in. It's hard sometimes, I must admit.

Amen, I know I have allowed myself to be drawn
In to arguments. I am getting better about walking away and fighting the urge to get the last word in. Some folks I just put on ignore. Some threads I ignore also.

 

[MatticusMania]

It helps even more when one can be objective about their own viewpoints and understand that we all have different perceptions of reality.
A mans truth is truth unto him so long as he has reached his conclusion via intelligent means.
Its why we often have more than one person with above average intelligence arguing two equally valid diametrically opposed viewpoints.
Both parties can be right, yet our Ego chooses our own perception to be the correct one.

 

[Simo98]

Why do we bother arguing via forum? I have never seen an opinion change, have you? Why do people spend so much time arguing a point when the other side isn't even listening? I've been guilty of it, and refuse to waste my time any longer. Its fun for a while but nothing good ever comes from it.

Is your experience the same? Anybody just stopped trying?

I've learned a lot from online discussions, and many of these discussions have greatly influenced my opinions. I've had great debates with people from all over the world, demographics and cultures which I'll likely never experience in person, and wouldn't even consider getting into a heated debate with in person.

It's pretty amazing to see how many things can be so different about a person simply because of where they happen to be located in the world.


I love TBOT in particular because we have a great community of people here from all over the world, we can openly discuss all sorts of topics, issues and current affairs, and generally manage to do so in a fairly civil, intellectual and constructive manner. There is the occasional pointless bickering and arguing as well as personal attacks, but on a whole I think we manage to keep things going fairly smoothly.


One thing I will say is that in my opinion in general many people often do get far too attached to their viewpoints, opinions, etc. Just because somebody challenges what you say, it doesn't mean they are attacking you personally, or even that they completely disagree with you. They're not some sort of enemy you must vanquish to save your own ego, they're just another person with a different opinion, no different to you, no more wrong or right in their own mind. Especially on the internet, you have plenty of time to think, so sit back, read and really listen to what somebody else has to say for once and really comprehend it. Then maybe start to think about a rebuttal, but converse, debate, don't argue or fight. Winning an argument gains you nothing, participating in a discussion can teach you a lot.

 

[jp58]

Because it's fun. Sometimes I feel like having a discussion, especially if I lack knowledge in a subject. Other times, I'm set in stone pretty good and won't budge.

I'll defer to this:
Link Removed

 

[Waffles and Scotch]

I've learned a lot from online discussions, and many of these discussions have greatly influenced my opinions. I've had great debates with people from all over the world, demographics and cultures which I'll likely never experience in person, and wouldn't even consider getting into a heated debate with in person.

It's pretty amazing to see how many things can be so different about a person simply because of where they happen to be located in the world.


I love TBOT in particular because we have a great community of people here from all over the world, we can openly discuss all sorts of topics, issues and current affairs, and generally manage to do so in a fairly civil, intellectual and constructive manner. There is the occasional pointless bickering and arguing as well as personal attacks, but on a whole I think we manage to keep things going fairly smoothly.


One thing I will say is that in my opinion in general many people often do get far too attached to their viewpoints, opinions, etc. Just because somebody challenges what you say, it doesn't mean they are attacking you personally, or even that they completely disagree with you. They're not some sort of enemy you must vanquish to save your own ego, they're just another person with a different opinion, no different to you, no more wrong or right in their own mind. Especially on the internet, you have plenty of time to think, so sit back, read and really listen to what somebody else has to say for once and really comprehend it. Then maybe start to think about a rebuttal, but converse, debate, don't argue or fight. Winning an argument gains you nothing, participating in a discussion can teach you a lot.

Very well said!

 

[onosson]

I would also add to this thread that there are some online debates (very heated at times!) that I have observed but not really participated in, which have been good opportunities to pick up knowledge.