Debates on the internet -- is there any bigger waste of time?

[Lilani]

I know there are many other things much more productive that I can be doing, but I think it's my stress reliever. It's someplace comfortable I can be, safely confronting people in ways I'm simply incapable of doing face-to-face due to my inexplicable need to not be confrontational to people's faces. I do know it's also expanded my horizons quite a bit, and I've learned things I never could have learned from doing any of those other "productive things." So it's not a COMPLETE waste of time, as long as the topics you debate are broad. But yeah, I know I do it too much. Everybody has their vice, I suppose.

 

[CarlMin]

Debated are never a waste of time, regardless of whether it is taking place on the web or in real life. Perhaps you meant internet flamewar?

 

[SD-Fiend]

A bit your not going to teach anyone anything over an opinion based argument and if you do then they weren't really holding on to their opinion strongly

 

[5ilver]

Yes, discussing the debates! badum-tsh

 

[Dethenger]

I don't see it as a waste of time at all. Debates in general, not just on the internet, are only a waste of time depending on the conduct of the debater; whether or not they are willing to accept new evidence and ideas, whether or not they're willing to admit they're wrong, etc.
If the discussion degenerates into shit-throwing, there is no debate. The debate is over the moment someone replies without actually addressing his opponent's position. Any slamming further is the actual waste of time, but that's not the debate. The debate itself was not a waste of time. In that regard, I suppose the winner of the debate is whoever made the last valid point, because if that point was left uncontested, then its challenger clearly had nothing to contest it with.

 

[backinthepresentfuture]

time does not exist, its merely perceived to exist by human minds. so in actuality there is no point in how you spend your day.

 

[Booze Zombie]

I can think of one: Discussing debates on the internet.

Hark, wit, thy fleeting touch does grace me, truly!

 

[Zantos]

Considering me getting into an argument on the internet is a good indicator that I don't have anything better to do with my time, then it's the most valuable use of that time. Coming in at a close second is staring blankly at the wall, with a solid last being getting into an argument with my flatmate.

 

[ElPatron]

Arguing: calling each other fucking tosspots while insulting each other's sexual orientation and geneology.

Debate: Point and counterpoint discussion around a given topic.



They're two different things.

an argument is an attempt to persuade someone of something, by giving reasons or evidence for accepting a particular conclusion.

argument [ahr-gyuh-muhnt]
noun

1. an oral disagreement; verbal opposition; contention; altercation
2. a discussion involving differing points of view; debate
3. a process of reasoning; series of reasons
4. a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point
5. an address or composition intended to convince or persuade; persuasive discourse.

 

[MintberryCrunch]

I find it quite ironic that you opened up a debate about whether there's any point in debating.
Well personally I think it's quite nice to hear other people's views and respond with my own to see if I can learn anything or help someone learn something, but this being the Internet, 99% of opinions expressed by people are just trying to annoy others.
Sometimes there can be a point to debating but a lot of the time it's akin to pissing up a wall.

 

[Palademon]

So you made a thread to debate about debates being a waste of time?

My brain hurts...

 

[Ethan Asia]

Is there a point to debating within a debating society? Not really, but people enjoy it.

 

[Vegosiux]

Now, the thing with internet debates is, if I rip off bash.org shamelessly, as follows.

Spoiler

HEY EURAKARTE
INSULT
RETORT
COUNTER-RETORT
QUESTIONING OF SEXUAL PREFERENCE
SUGGESTION TO SHUT THE FUCK UP
NOTATION THAT YOU CREATE A VACUUM
RIPOSTE
ADDON RIPOSTE
COUNTER-RIPOSTE
COUNTER-COUNTER RIPOSTE
NONSENSICAL STATEMENT INVOLVING PLANKTON
RESPONSE TO RANDOM STATEMENT AND THREAT TO BAN OPPOSING SIDES
WORDS OF PRAISE FOR FISHFOOD
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND ACCEPTENCE OF TERMS

But that last line often seems to be missing from them.

Still in the end...they can be fun, and that's why people do them. Well, least that's why I do them.

 

[hazabaza1]

There's certainly more productive things you could be doing, but they're fun to read. Please continue!

 

[Iron Lightning]

I honestly can't think of one. It seems like the most pointless and wasteful use of time possible.

Son, ultimately, everything is a waste of time.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Depends on the people involved.

The signal to noise ratio tends not to be great, yeah, but there's often someone worth talking to, even in a clusterfuck.

 

[ElPatron]

Face it. Argument has an entirely different meaning on the internet. On the internet it means flame war. Times change, don't be pedantic.

I'M SORRY, MR. PRESIDENT OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.

No, it does not have a different meaning, you're just:

-- covering up your own mistake
-- insulting me because you have no clue what you are talking about


Have fun disagreeing with everyone else if this forum.