Coming Out on Top of Internet Debates

Like many things I write, this is a general rule.

The best way to come out on top in an "internet debate" is not to get in one.

The second best way is to...

Dial back

- pedantry (look it up, it's a great word)

- sarcasm

- passive-aggressivism including ironic gifs & emojis

- insults

- any new or tangential claims

whiling dialing up

- brevity

- directness

- politeness

- de-escalation tactics

You may not "win" (whatever that means in this context) but you come out on top in that you don't have any regrets before the Lord the day after.

Protecting a good conscience is winning.

The internet is a digital realm but it is still a real place.

All the same rules of conduct apply here that apply "in real life."

That being said, there is an unreality to the internet (largely due to its disembodied and de-incarnated nature) that almost invites incivility.

My habit is to, whenever possible, invite a worthy interlocutor to a phone call or face-to-face meetup.

If they say yes, it almost always results in de-escalation and moves toward greater unity. Embodiment does that.

If they say no, it usually means that resolution isn't their goal. This latter type tends to be intemperate or highly emotional men.

End those online conversations as soon as possible. It will just descend into shameful interactions and screenshots... so many screenshots.

This is my general approach.

Two final notes...

I think there is a place for swift blocks. Time and focus are your most precious resources. Why even mess with arguments? Protect your valuables. Invest them in your central mission.

There is a place for long and intense debates online. I've benefited from reading those back-and-forths. The worthiness of those debates is tied up in the purpose of those involved and how their time and energy spent relate to the whole of their life.

So, I don't fault people who run counter to my approach.

It's not my way. That's all.