Occasionally people ask how to argue well on the internet, so I'd like to introduce you to the two simple rules for productive internet conversations: 1. Always reply calmly 2. Never assume ill intent
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Some people will laugh at you, some will be rude and obnoxious, some will just keep throwing nonsense your way that they clearly don't believe, but if you stay calm and answer them as if they were being totally honest it's so much better
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And sometimes - even often - you might assume someone is being disingenuous when they just aren't. It's so easy to assume ill intent from 280-character responses when they were not meant that way at all
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If you follow these rules, you'll: a) get into fewer fights online b) potentially convince some people c) not look like a dickhead d) not BE a dickhead (most important)
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Also, this is only if you WANT to engage someone. If you feel like it's a waste of time, hurtful, or even if you just can't be bothered, block/mute/ignore and move on. Not every discussion is worth it!
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Moreover, this schema only works with people who aren't heinous - if someone is being clearly racist/homophobic etc having a useful discussion is unlikely No online argument is worth damaging your mental health!
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End of conversation
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but... but why? Why should I reply gracefully to intellectual dishonesty?
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Two main reasons. Firstly, it is super easy to misinterpret text, and they may not have meant it dishonestly even when it seems clear that they did. Secondly, it's better not to be a jerk even if they are definitely being one
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There's another reason - you may not convince the disengenuous person - but they may not be the only one reading the replies.
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