Arguing online, why do we do it?

[mark_n_b]

for me it is when someone acts the all knowing wizard that I begin to argue. If someone is going to be smug and either say something that is totally or partially wrong as if it is absolute fact, or form an opinion and explain why anyone who doesn't share that opinion is stupid, or uninformed, or of a lower taste level, I'll argue because I don't think a person should act like a douchebag and feel happy or content about it.

So, for me, it is a responsive reflex. and then of course that causes another response that causes another response. I ended up turning my system quote notification off so that I wouldn't fall into that trap.

 

[Logan Keller]

Because we love to argue. Debating could arguably be the highest form of communication.

 

[Singing Gremlin]

The joy of the internet is that any opinion you have, no matter how reasonable or logical, a hundred people will disagree with you, and someone can put forward a good point as to why you're wrong. Nothing wrong with practising your debating skills in your free time.

 

[iseko]

i do it because nobody listens to me. Here or in real life

Shut up!! You're wrong!!! ;-)

 

[Zer_]

That's the real point of a forum. We state our opinions, and obviously disagreements will follow suit. If I'm not feeling too lazy, I'll go from one end of the internet to the other to prove my point.

 

[Fraught]

Why do we argue? What the bloody hell should we do then?

Guy number 1: "Yeah, you know that game? Super Mario Bros? Well, it isn't 8-bit!"
Guy number 2: "Just for the sake of not feeling silly, I am not going to argue. No, SMB is not 8-bit. What do you propose it is?"
Guy number 3: "1-bit!"
Guy number 1 and 2 high-five eachother and scream: "High-five!"

...

Come on now, that would be boring as hell. Arguing is what forums are for. If it wouldn't, moderators would be out of their jobs, and forums just would cease to exist.

 

[Danny Ocean]

What else would we be doing?

 

[Zersy]

We've all done it, we all felt a little bit silly.
On issues ranging from religion to games, from the most mundane to the most crucial.
Most of us have been involved in hours and hours of debating with people we don't know and will never meet. People whos' opinion doesn't really effect our lives even in the slightest. And still we will spend the energy and time on endless debate.

Why do you think we do it? And is it worth it?

the first 6 posters pretty much summed it up

 

[teh_gunslinger]

Because we love to argue. Debating could arguably be the highest form of communication.

I disagree.

No, I jest. You are right. Discussion is a good way of passing time, if nothing else, just to practice. Biggest problem is when people can't admit defeat or learn anything. Seems to be a very common thing on the webz.

 

[Ronwue]

There are 2 very different things arguing and debating. Arguing is simply 2 people who are not willing to listen to each other enforcing their views on one another, while debating is presenting valid arguments to sustain your point at which the other party responds in kind. That being said.

 

[iseko]

There are 2 very different things arguing and debating. Arguing is simply 2 people who are not willing to listen to each other enforcing their views on one another, while debating is presenting valid arguments to sustain your point at which the other party responds in kind. That being said.

http://img181.imageshack.us/my.php?image=xpgewdphwaa6.jpg

LOL. Well, you've made an excellent point. Although now i'm wondering if that still aplies as a compliment.

 

[Insomniactk]

Because i love annoying people!

 

[FengharTheNord]

Several reasons:

1. If its in jest, its fun. Nothing like arguing with someone on the internet about extremely trivial and useless things

2. Feels good, man.

3. Unless you are doing it on like, IRC or some Instant Messaging client it gives you a great amount of time to analyze the other person's argument, formulate your own, and search for viable sources that can back up your argument and everyone can agree upon.

4. Allows people who are normally shy about their opinions to speak out.

5. Its excellent practice, in my opinion.

 

[RobinHood3000]

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/8747/xpgewdphwaa6.jpg

I don't mean to get prissy, but that's not very nice. Friend of mine had the poor presence of mind to quote it in the class of the English teacher whose crusader-cause-of-choice was the Special Olympics...she was less than amused.

As for arguing on the internet, I fall under the category of people who often feel that just because I have an opinion means that it should be expressed. I like to believe I can shut up better than most, but obviously, self-assessment is notoriously inaccurate.

Oh, and in cases of gaming discussions, it helps me brush up on my analytical practice.

 

[Zac_Dai]

Fun.

But more importantly I do it because I believe the only way to improve your world view or knowledge as it were is to test your ideas, beliefs and convictions against other people.

If you never do its all too easy to retreat into your own mind where you think you are utterly right about anything.

 

[Ronwue]

http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/8747/xpgewdphwaa6.jpg

I don't mean to get prissy, but that's not very nice. Friend of mine had the poor presence of mind to quote it in the class of the English teacher whose crusader-cause-of-choice was the Special Olympics...she was less than amused.

As for arguing on the internet, I fall under the category of people who often feel that just because I have an opinion means that it should be expressed. I like to believe I can shut up better than most, but obviously, self-assessment is notoriously inaccurate.

Oh, and in cases of gaming discussions, it helps me brush up on my analytical practice.

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make a remark on that picture. It's a joke. I don't have anything for or against people. I'm simply stating a point and a reality. No matter how may Olympics they win, they will not be able to change the way they are at least to this point (because if they could they would have already done so). I use the image to prove a point, and whomever gets offended needs to reassess their values. Since when did truth become taboo?

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

Because people hate people who are different than they are. Otherwise, it's just fun.

 

[mokes310]

I find that by discussing topics which may be controversial in a civilized and mature fashion can only lead to a better understanding of one another. The problem that I have with many online debates is that they can quickly digress into slander-fests and insult battles.

I hope to discuss many things with you all in the future, whether we agree or not. However, let's agree on one thing, we'll be civil and respectful

 

[RobinHood3000]

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to make a remark on that picture. It's a joke. I don't have anything for or against people. I'm simply stating a point and a reality. No matter how may Olympics they win, they will not be able to change the way they are at least to this point (because if they could they would have already done so). I use the image to prove a point, and whomever gets offended needs to reassess their values. Since when did truth become taboo?

Not accusing you of having anything against them, I just think that there are better ways to make your point without trivializing the purpose of a nonprofit. Doesn't seem very sporting, is all.

 

[Ace of Spades]

I'm a Grammar Nazi, it's what I do.