Is it actually possible to persuade people of anything online?

Recommended Videos

lionsprey

New member
Sep 20, 2010
430
0
0
Vanilla ISIS said:
Take Jordan Peterson as an example.
How do you think he got most of his following? Online or live?
How do you think he spreads his ideas? Online or live?
Dude was a nobody 2 years ago but now, thanks to quick viral videos, he became an online sensation with a best selling self help book and $60k per month on Patreon. If that's not persuading people online, I don't know what is.
you kidding? Peterson is just using basic psychology to make money of a already existing crowd of people.

its possible to convince people of things online but it's highly unlikely and most likely not directly. as in you can't convince someone directly but other people reading the discussion might be nudged in your direction and if this happens enough someone might change their views.
 

RobertEHouse

Former Mad Man
Mar 29, 2012
152
0
0
dscross said:
Is there any real point to online debates, or are people just looking for validation of their own points of view and won't listen to others if they read it in text form? It's very rare that I see a resolution to debates online. The most that ever happens is one person stops replying if they have no counter or they have grown tired of the argument.
Really , no.

Most discussions really only come down to validation of a person's ideas, more than actually holding a debate. Online any person is able to easily create their own narrative. Thus any text has really no meaningful effect as people are able to ignore,edit,change how they translate what was written. In other words it might be better to yell and scream at a wall to move then to expect anything from a online debate/discussion.
 

BreakfastMan

Scandinavian Jawbreaker
Jul 22, 2010
4,367
0
0
Depends on who you are talking too. If you are trying to convince your friend of something, internet works just as well as in-person. If it is some rando you are posting with, on the other hand... you almost certainly won't be able to persuade them to anything, so don't even try. Will only cause you to go insane if you actually try. There are many ways to just completely destroy your mind with the internet, that is easily among the least fun ways to do it.
 

BreakfastMan

Scandinavian Jawbreaker
Jul 22, 2010
4,367
0
0
Vanilla ISIS said:
Take Jordan Peterson as an example.
How do you think he got most of his following? Online or live?
How do you think he spreads his ideas? Online or live?
Dude was a nobody 2 years ago but now, thanks to quick viral videos, he became an online sensation with a best selling self help book and $60k per month on Patreon. If that's not persuading people online, I don't know what is.
Dude, if I go to McDonald's, it is because I want an egg mcmuffin; not because McDonald's has "persuaded" me to like breakfast sandwiches, that is just a bizarre way to approach it.
 

Elvis Starburst

Unprofessional Rant Artist
Legacy
Aug 9, 2011
2,821
805
118
Yup. I've had plenty of examples in the past, but just 5 minutes ago I had a small online debate about business rights and their choice of clientele, and I was pretty strong on my point, until the person I was talking to worded it in a different way. Helped me see his point a lot better, and now I fully understand his point and mostly agree with it, despite being at odds with the idea at first
 

sageoftruth

New member
Jan 29, 2010
3,417
0
0
Yep. It's possible, but not always. Still, it's possible more often than many would suggest. The big mistake most people make is thinking that having impenetrable logic behind your argument is enough.

For some people, having a rock-solid argument is all that's needed, but it requires them to have an open, mature mind and we all know that's not something you'll find often from random strangers online.

Those who have closed minds require more work. They must be eased into a less combative way of thinking. If they see you as their opponent, they won't give ground no matter how solid your argument is. By approaching them with intellectual curiosity, and re-framing an argument as an earnest search for the truth, you can make them less defensive and more willing to listen to you. This means putting on a less stalwart front, showing that you have doubts, or acknowledging strengths in the other person's argument, even if they might weaken your own argument. You want to show them that you won't pounce on them the moment they let their guard down. Once their minds are open and they're willing to join you in seeking the truth, then your arguments can have an effect.

This has led to some very productive discussions for me, even in the Youtube comments section.

Of course, there are those who actually don't want to have a discussion. They're there just to stir things up, and won't engage with you, because they don't want to know the truth, they just want everyone watching them to react a certain way. Trolls, basically. At the very least, they'll leave you alone if you don't come across as being the reactive sort.
 

orangebandguy

Elite Member
Jan 9, 2009
3,117
0
41
I think it's perfectly possible for people to change their views. Of course some people are going to be obstinate or downright ignorant for various reasons but I would never say debate is pointless. I think a lot of it can depend on the manner information is presented to them. Patronising people or aggression often bring out the worst in both parties.

Vid related: discussion over the phrase 'preaching to the converted/choir.' His channel actually puts out a lot of interesting content on debate and behavioural psychology. Helped me refine my thinking a little more during my teenage years when I was quick to judge groups of people for their way of thinking or their beliefs.
EDIT: Having trouble embedding the video, also good to be back after 6 years of not posting!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H57Z0yE3Qgw