trolling and internet arguments

[doggy go 7]

People seem to get into angry arguments a lot on the internet. While I let you set your chairs back up from the shock that statement no doubt caused, I'm going to pose a fairly simple question. Why?

I know I've found myself in these types of situations before, where I see something so "wrong" I feel I must correct it, but looking back, there doesn't seem to be any real reason to it. I will never, ever, change someone's opinions behind my computer screen, so there seems no point there. Trolling I kind of understand (though still think is stupid), as pissing of people can be amusing, but trolls tend not to reply, and there are definitely people on both sides who genuinely believe in what they're saying (even though, inevitably, both arguments, including the one you agree with, get idiotic fast). The only reason I can think of for starting the argument is to show the person who is "wrong" that not everyone agrees with them, but this doesn't explain continuing it.

So escapists, why does this happen. Also, if you want, leave some memories of the funnier/dumber exchanges you've seen on the web.

 

[tippy2k2]

We just had this thread [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.376706-What-is-the-purpose-of-debate#14681327] so I'm just going to copy/paste my response:

Sometimes, when I'm feeling charitable, I like to bestow all the right answers upon the masses. For some reason there are those who resist but I assume that they are resisting ironically since there is no debating with me; just me telling you what is correct.

Alright, fine. You want the truth!?!? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!

No more jokes, that's the last one, I promise:

I like to debate. While it does seem like you are talking to a brick wall that won't budge no matter what when you're chatting with strangers online, I have absolutely no problem conceding points and actually having a debate with someone. Also importantly, I will tell you if you have changed my mind, so you get the satisfaction of changing a strangers mind...so congrats I guess?

There are a few points that I will not change my mind on (and I state this when we begin if you really want to try) but in truth, I feel like I'm a pretty reasonable fella. I'd like to think others were equally so but I will end the argument as soon as I feel that they are not being reasonable.

See below in the thread (post 7)...

 

[Crazy]

Didn't you get the memo, OP? The internet is serious business, I'll have you know.

 

[David Bjur]

As a matter of fact, I almost never go into arguments with people on the internet, I just don't find the appeal.
However, it happens that I start to argue with my Skype friends. For example I bring up a part that I don't like in a game, for example the Playstation 3 bug in Skyrim, and my friend suddenly denies it as a problem. I see that as completely dumb, so I just have to correct him and it keeps going, fueled by the anger that the discussion creates.
So I've decided to not go into a discussion ever again with somebody online. Never worth it.
EDIT: Almost all believe that we can change other peoples opinions, but people are just too stubborn for it to work.

 

[doggy go 7]

We just had this thread [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/18.376706-What-is-the-purpose-of-debate#14681327] so I'm just going to copy/paste my response:

That's not exactly the same point, I'm thinking more physcological here, debate is good, but generally these things I'm referencing aren't debates, they're written slagging off matches.

 

[ChildishLegacy]

snip

Your avatar just blew my mind.

I think people argue/troll on the internet a lot of the time because they're bored or because they actually get kicks out of knowing they've pissed other people off. Either that or they're genuinely angry people that don't get to spout a lot of that crap on other people in real life (because you can't get slapped on the internet).

Actual debates that sometimes get a bit insulting can often be due to people getting a bit too emotionally invested in it too, not that thats a bad thing.

 

[tippy2k2]

That's not exactly the same point, I'm thinking more physcological here, debate is good, but generally these things I'm referencing aren't debates, they're written slagging off matches.

Yeah, I suppose those aren't the exact same things (I saw argument and thought "debate" but it seems like you're talking about online pissing matches/troll responses).

I suppose then I'll just give my new answer: ...I have no clue? Seriously, I never understood why people respond (especially when they respond with "Don't Feed the Trolls"...then get into an argument with said troll). All I can do is shake my head and go find a thread with someone who actually wants to discuss something.

 

[doggy go 7]

snip

Your avatar just blew my mind.

Thanks, I made it myself

 

[doggy go 7]

well fuck, this didn't work did it