Am I the only one who finds it to be a waste to argue on the internet?

But discussion and debate is not only to change other peoples minds and opinions, but to learn as well. The internet is an extension of society and of democracy. One has to remember that all forms of networking are expressions and vital parts of what makes up society and ultimately democracy. Sports clubs, schools, the economic systems, media and just making friends. The internet is one of those important forums where to join, take part and debate and disagree. Different viewpoints are healthy and is a great expression of freedom.

I don’t see it as a waste of time. But I agree to that taking part of the local community is important.

@oratio

I see your point, I just mean it seems like most people just want to complain and argue and not take any REAL action on the matter.

@Steve_A A well, true. But that’s why we have moderators. A friend of mine used to say that grievances move the world. True in part.

I find that reading other peoples points of view and expressing my own to be stimulating. I am constantly learning new things and expanding my mind – gaining new perspectives.

The beauty of the internet is you get a really diverse community of people not limited to your region, normal family/friends or workplace. There is also a level an anonymity that lets most people open up more.

Debate and discussions can be incredibly thought provoking and sometimes therapeutic even if is does stem from a heated debate.

I agree with you 100% @Steve_A.

Politicians know this too. Right now it’s in vogue to bash the President for not living up to campaign promises. What politician has given more than a cursory attempt at really serving the public more than pursuing their own vested interests?

It’s because they know they can get away with it. People will get mad, complain, argue, blog, debate and demonstrate all manner of verbal dissent, but will do nothing to convince elected officials it might be worth their while to shit or get off the pot.

Yeah, @Steve_A…we talk a damn good game, but I’m proud to say I head and shoulders above most jellies here.

I’ve already publicly acknowledged that my sole purpose for visiting Fluther is because I love to shoot my mouth off and pretend I know what I’m talking about.

::SABOTEUR pats his own pathetic back.::

You left out Religion,now there’s a topic people argue about until they are blue in the face and the bottom line is no one really knows shit either way, however I do find it interesting to listen to people waffle on about it, I’ve done it myself.

Sometimes during these internet debates no matter what the topic is I gain knowledge from other peoples responses, sometimes I even google a mentioned topic I am not familiar with and learn something new, so it doesn’t always go to waste.
You can never have too much knowledge.

My belly full of hot air means more on the internet. :)

I think arguing is a waste of time no matter where you engage in it. Discussion on the other hand, which is what goes on among the Q&As here is always worthwhile.

Arguing on the Internet is like eating Chinese food. You can write something brilliant, virtually crushing your opponent, but an hour later, you’ll want to do it again. And then there’s the zombie factor. Don’t know if you ever played the Nightmare mode in Doom, where the monsters respawn a few minutes after you kill them. It’s the same way on the Net. You can beat the crap out of someone in an argument, but some people don’t know they’re licked, and just keep coming back and coming back, trying to get the last word.

Any argument you have with a Young Earth Creationist or one of those Mayan Calendar nutjobs will end up like this. That’s not to say it isn’t worth engaging these people. They have to be encouraged to parade their ignorance for all to see, and the only way to get them to do that is to keep them ranting. The longer you keep them engaged, the more whacked out their arguments will become. But it will wear on you after a while. Take a break from it – say, an hour – and then you’ll be back for more.

After five and half years on answerbag and now fluther, i have discovered two topics that i will never discuss in an open forum. they are: religion and politics. these two sujects will cause more problems and discussions than any other. and, really no one wins. it just takes a lot of space in their computers. religion and politics: a no win situation.

I’d rather figure out the futility of arguing certain topics here than to burn up an IRL relationship. Besides, I think it’s useful to learn what can and can’t be accomplished in such a discussion. Also, sometimes you learn something.

I don’t believe that it helps to change minds or opinions. When you debate, you naturally put the person you’re debating with on the defense, which is going to make them all the more likely to stick to their opinions and to find any way to prove them (no matter how weak the argument). Your “opponent” is not receptive to new ideas in this format, which is why I think it’s a completely bogus form of communication.

So is it futile? Yup.

@borderline_blonde Change don’t come in an instant, but often after you discuss something. Ideas and opinions linger and sometimes sway or enrich ones own, or just make you more firm in your previous opinions. This has happened to me several times. But we are all different I guess.