The Comment Section Crusade
I can truthfully say that I had a very difficult time finding an argument online. After about two hours of scrolling through the best places I could think of that would have a comment clash, I did come across one small example of the things we typically see online when people don't agree. It kind of amazes me how easy it is to come across an argument online, but when you go searching, that seems less fruitful. I will say that this is likely due to comment moderation on Facebook, many group rules, and moderation on Reddit.
This argument was in response to a post from a local news station (CBS Chicago) in regard to a man being charged for the beating of an elderly couple.
Please see the below screenshot (I have crossed out names as a precaution):
I chose this because I fully believe that the way this conversation is going is just not the correct way to argue online...if you are going to argue online. I noticed several issues, even in this short exchange.
1) The first comment is rather immature, and could have been worded in a less offensive manner. I say this because the original poster could have avoided this type of confrontation if it was worded less aggressively.
2) The people responding to the original comment are even more offensive, and also resorting to making fun of the original commenter on a personal level, thus intensifying the argument.
3) The original commenter came back in and responded with the same level of aggression as the people responding to his comment.
Considering that the beginning of this comment conflict began only several hours ago, if the comments are not filtered out by moderators, this name calling will likely continue, and when you see the big picture, there really isn't any point to this heating up the way it is.
Some things that I can suggest when it comes to arguing online are actually pretty simple:
1) Do not post a comment that you know will garner an offensive response that will turn into an argument as opposed to a debate.
2) Arguments with complete strangers on the internet should never turn personal, although we see this often. Refuting a comment by insulting a person based on superficial observations is both unnecessary and immature.
3) Even though someone responding to this comment may still receive a negative response, responding with credible information would be a smart way to continue this conversation. Resorting to name-calling is never appropriate.
4) If someone responds to a post you make online, or a comment you have made online in such an immature and unfriendly manner, do not provoke the name-caller by also resorting to name-calling. This doesn't make an argument move forward, and does not bring any substance to a disagreement. Furthermore, you could simply not respond to the comment.
5) Speak to people online in the same manner you would speak to someone in a face-to-face setting. It is much easier to be tempted to ridicule and take 'cheap shots' when you are speaking to a complete stranger online. A debate is totally okay as long as it remains constructive, and this should apply online as well.
I am not entirely sure how to post a link directly to the comments, but I can definitely share the link to the Facebook post, and from there the comments can be found unless of course they have since been removed through moderation.
Chicago Man Charged in Brutal Beating of Elderly Couple In Irving Park
I found this article as well that mentions a lot of the same issues I take with Facebook arguments but in more detail:
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