During online debate have you ever convinced the other party of your point of view? (feddit.uk)

submitted 18 hours ago* (last edited 18 hours ago) by Denjin@feddit.uk to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Discussing politics and other contentious sunjects online feels to me like it's counterproductive these days and even though I try not to get suckered in, I often can't help myself. Usually though I just end up feeling frustrated and sometimes angry at the other person either missing my points or refusing to accept them.

Thinking back to conversations I've had here and previously on Reddit, not only can I not remember an example of me "winning" the discussion and the other person changing their mind or conceding the point, I also cannot think of a time where my mind was changed either.

So have you ever begun a discussion online with someone with a different view point to yours and either you, or they, changed the others mind?

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[-] NominatedNemesis@reddthat.com 1 points 17 hours ago

Wow, thanks for the sources. I don't listen to podcasts but will check out his book.

Also worth considering how open you (the royal "you", not OP specifically) are to having your own mind changed; before getting worried about the minds of others.

To add a personal point: For me if I feel anger, in a debate where the oposition just countering my arguments (and not obviously trolling or use fallacies), that usually means I ran out rational arguments and my brain tries to protect me by turning on the fight/flight/freez reaction, that's the point I can learn if I can keep my emotions in check.

I usually only join a debate when I am interested in the other side's perspective.

this post was submitted on 21 Sep 2026

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