- Hey, Listen! (or read, in this case) I would like to think this goes without saying, but no, no it doesn't. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people arguing back and forth simply because one or both parties didn't pay attention to what the other was saying. Points that were made were ignored, turning a decent conversation into a virtual yelling match (I think that's why the Caps Lock button was invented) Too many arguments stem from a misunderstanding, so always keep that in mind. People just want to have their opinions heard. Not all of them are looking for others to agree with them.
- Insulting The Person And Not Debating Their Point (or, how to be a major douchenozzle) This is one I've seen far too often. Someone makes a point (either good or bad, it doesn't matter) and someone else decides to just insult them. "You just wouldn't get it." "Kill yourself." "Your head looks stupid, you stupid head." Do you not agree with something that someone says? That's cool, intelligently debate it then. Maybe your words will fall on deaf ears, but maybe they won't. Insulting someone, however, is never the answer. It destroys any credibility you have and it makes it seem like you can find no fault with their argument. Plus, it just makes you look like a major douchenozzle. Just saying.
- The Sheeple Attack (and why it doesn't work) Technically, this probably should go with point number two, but I decided to give it its own number (cuz it's special) I hate that so many online debates devolve into this. "You're just sheep, you need to wake up!" Really? My main problem with this is that we all tend to follow some sort of group (be it political, religious, or one those sci-fi things with "Star" in the title) Do you consider yourself sheep? Of course not! You're an independent thinker who uses the arguments of others to further your own point. Honestly, I know that sounds insulting, but everyone does it. Scholars, doctors, professors, students, everyone. Everyone references something or someone else in order to get a point across. Just because someone will do that very thing, only for a cause you don't agree with or believe in, doesn't make them sheep.
- Cite Your Sources And Check Your Information (aka Google is your friend) You know how they say variety is the spice of life? Well, the echo chamber effect is the opposite. The echo chamber effect happens when a thought or idea is bounced around an online community. The idea gets so much positive reinforcement from the group that it's taken as the complete and actual truth (even though the idea itself could have just started off as a theory) You've seen the results of this: the conspiracy theories for 9/11, Aurora, and Sandy Hook all stemmed from it. Nearly everything Jesse Ventura talks about comes from the echo chamber effect. It's been responsible for the spread of so much misinformation and fabrication. Simply put, the internet is full of lies. What can you do to make sure your information is accurate? Google it. Try to verify your claims through a non or bipartisan website (personally, I use Snopes, though I've heard people say, "Snopes is bias in some of their reportings, so I use FactCheck." Ironically, they evidently didn't use that it to check on the claim that Snopes is bias, which FactCheck says it is not. Wow, didn't mean to go that far off subject. Let us continue) Using false information in a debate is a huge no no, so always make sure you've got your facts straight.
I hope that helps clear some things up. Basically, to sum it all up, don't be a jerk. Listen to what the other side has to say and calmly give a rebuttal. If you're angered or enraged by what they're saying, just walk away. This being the internet, you don't have to respond right away. You can either get back to them later once your head clears or not at all if it's too much. Just remember, no matter what, always keep it civil.
Till Next Time, Space Monkeys!
