Is arguing politics on GAG (or any other place on the Internet) a true waste of time?

Question

BuchitaBuchys · Accepted Answer

I've changed my mind on a few things because of internet discussion. However, it wasn't from the "omg stupid libtard, facts over feelings!" groups. It was from those being respectful (yes, I know, rare) and using good enough evidence to convince me (no, an article on Everyday Feminism or InfoWars isn't enough).
I think it can happen, for me at least, but these discussions are definitely in the minority.

daydreammarie · Accepted Answer

Yes. But in general all medias are a waste of time. With politics or any argument on the medias all it is, is two people giving their blind opinion it doesn't change peoples mind it just angers them. Depending on the way you go about it but then again sometimes people are so lost in their opinion that nothing will change that, they will never see past their own.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Yup people don't change their minds, i see the same people arguing over facebook news articles all the time.

And just look at rosyanne on here, she will keep on arguing about trump and backing him up even when proved wrong.

ENTP_EMO · Accepted Answer

It's a great way to see who has the biggest e-penis

madhatters4 · Answer

not necessarily. often times it goes nowhere, or at least would appear that way, but it also can be illuminating, opinions can change or at least understandings can be reached

NearlyNapping · Answer

Some people just like discussing / arguing politics. People do it just because it's their thing, not because they actually think they'll change someone's mind.

I'm 62 and have been arguing politics most of that time. It's extremely rare to actually change someone's mind. At most, if the person is truly open, it plants a seed and gives them something to think about. My aim is not the person who replies, but the person who reads it and doesn't reply.

No, it's not a waste of time at all. It's only a waste if you think you can single handedly change things. You are nothing more than one voice out of millions. By yourself you are nothing. But you have to choose if you are one of the millions who are silent, or one of the millions who say something. I CAN'T be one of the millions who are silent.

thestarbreaker · Answer

To be honest they kind of are useless. Debates are meant to be constructive, formal, monitored and have rules and guidelines. Suffice it to say that this usually never happens on the internet. Unless someone is actually going to sit down and actually have a mature discussion with me about something, it is useless to try and it usually ends up regressing into shouting matches with ad hominem attacks being thrown at each other.

Megatrizzle · Answer

I'd say so. Most people on the net seem to have their beliefs set in stone and they will rarely change them or even think about them in a different light. Remember, EVERYBODY on the internet is smart and totally knows what they're talking about. *sarcasm*

DevilsAdvocator · Answer

Arguing politics anywhere, either online or offline, is a true waste of time. Because politicians and their financial backers are going to do whatever TF benefits them regardless, and there isn't a damn thing you or anyone else can do to stop them or change their minds.

DeeDeeDeVour · Answer

Politics & Religion/Spirituality topics very likely have the most trolls who love nothing more than to antagonize your beliefs. Still, don't be discouraged from sharing what's honestly on your mind, especially if you feel strongly about it.

Anonymous · Answer

Nobody actually listens to each other's point of view and everyone all of a sudden becomes an expert of professor on the topic and tries to Make out that they have such a huge IQ.
My favourite arguing tactic some use is pulling out a father or relative in a certain field who told them so.

RolandCuthbert · Answer

But everything is political now. I came here to talk about relationships. But most of what is talked about here is politics and race.

ImagineSketchy · Answer

Yes. The main reason for it is that people don't actually change. Political stances are based on one's outlook of life and how they think things should be. As a result, it means it's just a waste of time to bother trying to change someone's outlook on life when humans are usually so stubborn and "creatures of habit."

Bishop-Brennan · Answer

Arguing politics pretty much anywhere except in person is a waste of time. People have their opinions and will only pay any attention to what aligns with what they already think.

ROCKS128 · Answer

Indeed.
Arguing almost anything on Internet is a waste of time.

Internet shld be just for fun.
It isn't that big deal.
Any change or discussion shld be held at a particular place with appropriate people. Only then solutions will come good and have an effect.

Randomawkwardness · Answer

Yeah it really is. The other person will never change their opinion and all it is is a pointless argument

YHL6965 · Answer

No, if you talk with the right people who can argue properly, it's very interesting and instructive. The thing is, these people are usually rare and other often try to cram their opinion down your throat constantly so it's not really a debate anymore.

FriendlyDrugDealer · Answer

I personally avoid political conversations on the internet or even anywhere to be honest. It’s a complete waste of time

wankiam · Answer

arguing is always a waste of time which is why i try to debate issues... if that fails as it often does then i will give up

WindowLicker · Answer

Yeah, it's pointless. We know that Trump colluded with the Russians. Arguing won't make it any less true.

Anon-ymous1 · Answer

Yes.
That's why it's far better to have civic, actual face-to-face REAL conversations with people about serious topics. That's how you present true logic and reason and evidence, and potentially change minds.

msc545 · Answer

It is not a waste of time at all. I am very anxious to hear the views of others in their thinking about a variety of political issues. I've learned a lot from this and also changed my views on some things to some extent. I don't think changing views is really the best metric. I think the best metric is the increase in knowledge for all of us.

alexe56 · Answer

Yeah, usually nothing good comes of arguing politics because it's such a divisive topic

Paris13 · Answer

I Make My Point But Sometimes on Here, Dear... I FEAR. lolxxoo

Syrian_survivor · Answer

Yup, unless you find an actually open-minded person who's good at discussing, not like most people here with immature minds and do the most childish things ever in an argument

Riddler1412 · Answer

Yes. Because people won't change their political opinions, especially when someone on the internet says that they're wrong. So why bother.

tartaarsaus · Answer

It can be a waste of time but other times it can be interesting

slatyb · Answer

The goal is not to persuade the person you disagree with. The goal is to possibly persuade other readers who are undecided.

Pamina · Answer

There's even studies now that come to the very clear conclusion that you can't change people's minds public online debates. It's a waste of time.

Anonymous · Answer

pretty much nobody really gives a shit, trolls only get off on it

JustaLoozer · Answer

I don't remeber what site it was, but a social media post actually changed my mind on abortion

Truthatanycost · Answer

Arguing about anything on the internet period.. is a waste of time.

Lance1965 · Answer

Yes. People treat politics like people treat sport. They must support their team no matter what so arguing is a waste of time. People are generally not very flexible when it comes to political issues.

Desconhecida · Answer

Yes. Answering any kind of question is to be honest

PcSucks · Answer

Of course nobody changes anyone's mind on here but it sure is fun pissing off people

bulletbob555 · Answer

Well I think that what I read on Facebook said you're wasting your time arguing on social media about politics with strangers

JadeFluorite · Answer

Yep. Especially when people are too cowardly to be associated with their ideals that they go anonymous.

_乃尺OЩ刀_TITI · Answer

I am very triggered by your gross misuse of aaaaaaaaand it's gone meme.

RyanAmaral · Answer

I just say Trump on everything political for fun :)

The_Revolver · Answer

Definitely not a waste of time; for the bystander, futile arguements tend to be entertaining

Zedex · Answer

Time is our most precious currency. Better not to waste it arguing, wherever it is. Why mot take this time to work towards à goal in your life?

Giggletr0n · Answer

Oh yeah, like a fart into the wind

LuWe22 · Answer

Yes. It always goes round in circles

kingofthellamas · Answer

No. It helps to test the clarity of your logic.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Yes it's waste of time and foolishly

1828avaava1828 · Answer

make me supreme leader! i am your leader!!!

DamnSam · Answer

Yes because world will not change

angry_llama · Answer

Uh huh 👀

Ultimate_Gohan · Answer

Yeah

Topaz171 · Answer

Yea pretty much

Pluto4prez · Answer

Yes, I thought that was the point.

BronzedAdonis · Answer

generally yes

kendo2019 · Answer

Yes it is

Tyliah · Answer

It is.

Anonymous · Answer

Yes , i think so

Is arguing politics on GAG (or any other place on the Internet) a true waste of time?

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Is arguing politics on GAG (or any other place on the Internet) a true waste of time?

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