Discussing politics and other contentious sunjects online feels to me like it’s counterproductive these days and even though I try not to get suckered in, I often can’t help myself. Usually though I just end up feeling frustrated and sometimes angry at the other person either missing my points or refusing to accept them.
Thinking back to conversations I’ve had here and previously on Reddit, not only can I not remember an example of me “winning” the discussion and the other person changing their mind or conceding the point, I also cannot think of a time where my mind was changed either.
So have you ever begun a discussion online with someone with a different view point to yours and either you, or they, changed the others mind?
Yes, coming from a very conservative religious background challenging my world-view with every media and discussions I read online (reddit when it was good) I changed for the better good.
I personally like to expose myself to ideas which are contradicting my personal experience/views. It is painful, but rewarding.
Also like to use the arguments I heard/read in a debate where I agree with my ‘oposition’ but want to keep the conversation going. I learned the hard way, that I have to be very clear upfront about it. And the other side has to think through the arguments instead of responding with emotions.
I higly disagree on your point, discussion are required, they don’t have to change either side’s mind, but should build them. Also don’t forget the audience, it is possible they don’t have a pre existing strong opinion (or at all) on the topic.
It is very unlikely you will ever get a feedback that your opinion mattered, but it can happen, and it can change lifes.