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Debates in general can raise your blood pressure. Arguing is stressful.
The difference between online and in-person debating is time and anonymity. In a live argument, no one really gets a chance to walk away from the moment to think about what was said, or to find something in support of their side. On the Internet you can leave the computer to go cool off, do research, or just mull over the things you've read. You also can't be as nasty in person because there's no way to go hide after you've said something stupid or terrible, and if you're wrong you have to face up to it right away or you'll look like a fool.
This is the most heavily moderated board on the net...that I know of. I'm sure there is a site that is more heavily moderated....somewhere.
Due to the aggressive moderation, "never is heard a discouraging word."
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vodoven
You summed it up well. I revisited this thread after forgetting that I posted it, and noticed a moderator cut, which I also forgot the content of. Potential moderator bias is also part of the problem. I see a lot of wacky comments that don't get cut here.
This is the most heavily moderated board on the net...that I know of. I'm sure there is a site that is more heavily moderated....somewhere.
Due to the aggressive moderation, "never is heard a discouraging word."
LOL. Its not as heavily moderated as you think. They just grab some of the more obvious stuff.
Anyways as to the OP.
I think I have only had my blood pressure raised once here. And that was someone stating that it was my fault that my mother died for not having medical insurance. I must admit, the combination of personal attack mixed in with the incorrectness of it all got me kinda annoyed.
I've since seen the poster do the exact same thing to someone else, and have realized that some people are just plain ol meanspirited, and like to look for ways to insult and hurt people.
I mean, I'm not always as nice as I should be-but even I know there are lines you shouldn't cross in debates here.
Changing minds is often possible, though barely, on long-held beliefs about very serious issues. I believe it takes both repetition of presumed facts & introduction of additional presumed facts for some time. I think I get about 1 person to change their mind for each few hundred hours spent reading posts, researching, thinking, & writing. Maybe not really worth it, but I have lots of free time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by VJDAY81445
I doubt anyone has ever changed their mind based on a debate on the internet.
Even in other forums where people are seeking advice about a decision, the OP seems to already have their mind made up and only posts to get validation under the guise of seeking advice.
Yes they do, which is why I try to avoid them anymore. It's easier to take if all you do is read.
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Do online debates just raise blood pressure?
