Online Arguments

Online networking sites such as X, Facebook, Instagram, or even Reddit are often where people will let loose their thoughts without worrying about how it can affect another person. Since the election is something that is all over the news right now I wanted to analyze some of the arguments that are happening online because of it and I found an argument in the comment section of a Facebook post by The National Desk that said "What's your view on the State of the Union: Are you better off than you were four years ago?" (The National Desk) that works as an example of people being mean in the replies simply because of disagreement. The most three negative examples that I would like to point out in the comment section are the first example from the comment made by William Marshall in response to Sandy Mcclintock's which implies that Sandy Mcclintock is benefiting from having Joe Biden as president. This is an example of negative behavior because it is an example of someone assuming that a person is gaining through the works of others. Another negative example is Sandie Burgleigh who includes in her comment to another a very mean descriptive mention of Trump as shown below:

Which is not a great way to refer to someone. The last negative example that I would like to share is the implication that a person must be on narcotics because of the response that they give as seen in Robert Owens response to Gregory Johnson as shown below:

These examples raise concern because these are the comments on a Facebook page post on the opinion on a survey of whether people feel that they are better off or not compared to Trump's time in office and President Biden. 

The five rules that I feel that people should follow to argue correctly online are:

1. Try To Understand The Other Person's Point Of View.

Since this is an online argument you don't often know who the other person is and what point of view they have so it is important to understand the why of their argument before commenting. 

2. Provide Supporting Detail.

Do you have facts or backing for your argument? Are you arguing something or placing an opinion, and can you back it? These questions should be considered before you post your reply online because they help others understand your argument and whether they should take your side or not.

3.  Language is Important.

Your writing is going to be posted public, and anyone can see it so it is important to not use inappropriate language that could easily offend another such as cuss words, or crude or vulgar statements for example.

4. Maintain Your Cool. 

When you lose your temper it is easy to write something in a fit of rage making it hard for others to understand your point when to them it seems that you are ranting rather than presenting an argument which in turn can provoke negative responses in your readers.

5. Avoid Abbreviations

It is common to see people use abbreviations in their arguments online expecting everyone to get them but it is best to either provide a clarification or avoid using them if possible because it reduces the possibility of misunderstandings. If you can write it out do so, this makes it easier for everyone who might not be familiar with the term.

References:

The National Desk. "Facebook." Www.facebook.com, 7 Mar. 2024, www.facebook.com/TND/posts/838079798356613/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2024