🌐 Online Arguments ABCs

🌐Translated Page

This passage is translated from its Simplified Chinese edition. Original edition shall prevail if divergence exists.

The magic of social media lies not only in its ability to connect people across distances but also in its ability to erase them. On the internet, a person exists in the eyes of others merely as a combination of data and self-narrative text. Stripped of their face, people seem to become “bolder,” less concerned with matters of “social image.”

This has given rise to two contradictory yet coexisting extremes of the internet. On the one hand, there is extreme egalitarianism — regardless of age or social status, everyone is freed from the constraints of real-world etiquette. On the other hand, there is a severe lack of respect — words are spoken without regard for others’ feelings, and even if no real-life grievances exist, insults and mockery flow freely.

Conflicts of thought and ideology are inevitable wherever people gather. While debates do not necessarily (and often will not) lead to consensus or a clear distinction between right and wrong, it remains a fundamental principle for all internet users to engage in discussion with both courtesy and effectiveness.

Below, I have summarized some personal strategies to avoid unnecessary quarrels and anger in online debates. Though they are based on my own experiences, I hope they can contribute in some small way to upholding rational discourse and serve as a starting point for further discussion.

A! Speak with Kindness

Before you dive into the turbulent waters of the comment section, take a moment to temper your fiery enthusiasm or righteous indignation. One unique advantage of online communication is that all “spoken expressions” are inevitably transformed into “written language,” turning voices into text. This means that when you present your thoughts to the public, you have more than one chance to reflect, review, and refine your words. Thinking before speaking does not mean weakening your stance or compromising your opinions—it simply means ensuring that your expression is not driven by aggressive emotions. The true power of language lies in logic and facts. Avoid expressing your viewpoints with hostility or sarcasm. Those who disagree with you are not your enemies.

When presenting your views, adopt a tone of humility. Phrases like “I believe…” or “As far as I know, I think… makes more sense” help maintain a respectful and open discussion. When you show goodwill, even those who wish to challenge you will feel compelled to respond in a serious or courteous manner—if they do not, they put themselves at a moral disadvantage.

Be mindful of your choice of words and tone. Try to convey humor and loveliness in your responses, and make good use of emojis and emoticons. Avoid starting or ending your statements with rhetorical questions. Rhetorical questions at the beginning or conclusion of a discussion can easily come across as sarcastic or condescending, making others perceive an air of superiority in your words.

B! Argue with Reason

The first and foremost rule is to stick “to the topic.” Always remember that your opponent’s political stance, beliefs, or personal character are not relevant to the discussion. Bringing them up only reflects poorly on your own manners.

When making an argument, do not use opinions to justify opinions. In other words, avoid relying on political theories, moral standards, or ideological beliefs as proof of your correctness. These concepts are not objective facts and therefore cannot serve as valid evidence. While it is understandable to use personal anecdotes in an informal debate setting, this does not mean that authoritative sources and factual accuracy should be disregarded.

To prevent your opponent from engaging in “selective blindness”, struggling with basic logical reasoning, or escalating the discussion into unnecessary conflict, presenting your arguments in an ordered list is highly effective. Clearly structuring your questions, objections, viewpoints, and supporting evidence in numbered points forces the other party to think critically and reduces the likelihood of an emotional outburst. A well-organized (1)(2)(3) breakdown leaves no room for deception or evasion.

C! Know When to Stop

Do not entertain the illusion that you can change someone’s mind. First, the window for debate on social media is extremely short—far too brief for you to systematically gather evidence and dismantle someone’s beliefs. Second, when a discussion takes a serious turn, not everyone is willing to continue. Most people lack the patience or ability to engage in prolonged discourse.

The power of bias is immense. Changing the perspectives of those around you is already an uphill battle—let alone convincing complete strangers on the internet. Sometimes, silence is the best way to maintain your own peace of mind.

When is it better to walk away from an argument? First, When you realize the other person’s only goal is to vent their emotions. Second, When you see that their counterarguments rely on labeling or stereotyping you, judging your viewpoint based on unrelated factors such as ideology or character rather than actual reasoning. Third, When you notice severe flaws in their logical reasoning.

Always remember: the views you defend are not necessarily the absolute truth. No matter what, maintaining humility and respect should take priority. The ability to advance and retreat is equally crucial—choosing silence does not mean yielding to arrogance or ignorance, but rather ensuring that you do not become like them.