Thread by @GidMK

Occasionally people ask how to argue well on the internet, so I'd like to introduce you to the two simple rules for productive internet conversations:

1. Always reply calmly
2. Never assume ill intent

Number 1 is first because it is the most important - DO NOT REPLY ANGRILY

Take a moment

Take a breath

THEN reply

If this takes an hour, a day, a week - so be it. When you reply angrily, you derail the conversation and it becomes a waste of time

The point here is that you want a PRODUCTIVE conversation. The moment you reply like a dickhead, it legitimizes any insults the other person has hurled at you and it's just another flame war

They might be that guy, but you don't have to be!

Number 2 is pretty vital too - never assume that someone is being disingenuous EVEN WHEN IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THEY ARE

I cannot stress this enough, just assume they're genuine

Some people will laugh at you, some will be rude and obnoxious, some will just keep throwing nonsense your way that they clearly don't believe, but if you stay calm and answer them as if they were being totally honest it's so much better

And sometimes - even often - you might assume someone is being disingenuous when they just aren't. It's so easy to assume ill intent from 280-character responses when they were not meant that way at all

If you follow these rules, you'll:

a) get into fewer fights online
b) potentially convince some people
c) not look like a dickhead
d) not BE a dickhead (most important)

Also, this is only if you WANT to engage someone. If you feel like it's a waste of time, hurtful, or even if you just can't be bothered, block/mute/ignore and move on. Not every discussion is worth it!

Moreover, this schema only works with people who aren't heinous - if someone is being clearly racist/homophobic etc having a useful discussion is unlikely

No online argument is worth damaging your mental health!