How to Argue Online Correctly Using Aristotle’s Artistic Proofs

 In recent years, the surge of online arguments on platforms like Twitter and Facebook has led to new concerns about well-being and the quality of discourse. One key issue is the lack of face-to-face accountability, allowing individuals to hide behind screens while sharing hurtful and derogatory remarks.



I chose the online argument about whether the person flying in the middle seat gets both armrests because it's a common and relatable topic that many people have strong opinions about. This argument highlights how quickly online discussions can escalate and become unproductive. The topic is light enough to avoid intense personal attacks but still showcases typical online argument behavior.


Source: Airplane Debate About Middle Seat Armrests Has Twitter Divided  and 

Twitter poll about middle seat armrests on planes divides the internet | Mashable

this Twitter debate on middle seat armrests 

The Three Negative Examples and Concerns:

Lack of Empathy: Participants often attack each other personally rather than focusing on the issue at hand. For example, one user might call another user "stupid" for their opinion, which derails the conversation and creates a hostile environment. I also think it's based on situationship for example last time I fly I had a window set and a mother with her kid where next to me and she took both arm rest in the Middle. at first, then she asked me I told her I don't really care I just layed against the window/ the side of the plane.  

Misinformation: Some arguments are based on incorrect assumptions or incomplete information. For instance, a user might make a claim without providing any evidence, leading to confusion and misinformation spreading among participants.

Escalation: The discussion quickly devolves into a shouting match with no resolution. For example, users may start using all caps or excessive exclamation points to assert dominance, which only heightens tensions and prevents constructive dialogue.

Five Rules for How People Should Argue Online Correctly:

Stay Calm and Respectful: Maintain a level head and avoid personal attacks. Respectful language fosters a more productive conversation. 

Focus on the Issue: Stick to the topic at hand and avoid bringing up unrelated points. This helps keep the discussion on track and relevant.

Use Evidence: Support your arguments with facts and credible sources. This adds weight to your points and helps avoid spreading misinformation.

Listen and Acknowledge: Show that you understand the other person’s perspective, even if you disagree. Acknowledging their points can help de-escalate conflicts and build a more cooperative dialogue.

Know When to Walk Away: If the discussion is going nowhere or becoming toxic, it’s okay to disengage. Not all arguments need to be resolved, and sometimes it's best to preserve your peace and move on. that's the somewhat bright side of online arguments.

Challenges with Online Arguments

A study discussed in The Conversation highlights that social media design often leads to less common ground being reached compared to face-to-face interactions. I think People often avoid discussing challenging topics online for fear of harming relationships, and the structure of comments on platforms like Facebook can prevent meaningful engagement. This makes it crucial to approach online arguments thoughtfully and strategically

Sources: 

"It’s not just bad behavior – why social media design makes it hard to have constructive disagreements online." The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2021, theconversation.com/its-not-just-bad-behavior-why-social-media-design-makes-it-hard-to-have-constructive-disagreements-online-161337.Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

How to make online arguments productive." ScienceDaily, 19 Apr. 2021, www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210419095127.htm. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Beck, Lia. "Does The Middle Seat Of The Plane Get Both Armrests? Here’s What Twitter Has To Say." Bustle, 7 June 2019, www.bustle.com/p/does-the-middle-seat-of-the-plane-get-both-armrests-heres-what-twitter-has-to-say-17986698.Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.


Bryan, Chloe. "Twitter poll about middle seat armrests on planes divides the internet." Mashable, 7 June 2019, mashable.com/article/airplane-middle-seat-armrests-poll. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Greenberg, Peter. "Airplane Etiquette Rules - Travel Etiquette." Oprah Daily, 26 Nov. 2024, www.oprah.com/world/airplane-etiquette-rules-travel-etiquette-peter-greenberg/all.Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Website Project: Draft Website: The Evolution of Santa Claus and Christmas Across Cultures Abstract

           The Evolution of Santa Claus and Christmas Across Cultures  Abstract Abstract:      Santa Claus, the beloved holiday figure of generosity and festivity, has evolved significantly from his early European origins. Rooted in the legacy of St. Nicholas, his transformation has been shaped by historical traditions, literature, and commercial influences. This project examines how Dutch, British, German, Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian Christmas customs converged to form the American holiday experience. It further explores the role of advertising and media in solidifying Santa’s image as a central figure in Western consumer culture. By analyzing historical records, folklore narratives, and socio-economic factors, this research demonstrates how Santa Claus serves as a global symbol of both tradition and modernity, reflecting the intricate evolution of cultural identity through celebration.  Introduction:      ...
Read more

Coca-Cola’s Digital Mastery: Exploring the Power of Their Online Presence

 Coca-Cola excels at creating a cohesive and engaging online presence. Their website and social media platforms are brimming with high-quality visuals, interactive elements, and consistent branding. For instance, the Coca-Cola's website is designed to be user-friendly, with a clean layout and intuitive navigation. They frequently update their homepage to reflect current campaigns, such as holiday-themed promotions or new product launches. The website also includes sections dedicated to their sustainability efforts, community initiatives, and company history, reinforcing their brand values. On Instagram, Coca-Cola leverages visually appealing content to tell its brand story. They use a mix of high-resolution images, short videos, and Instagram Stories to engage their audience. Their posts often highlight user-generated content, showcasing customers enjoying Coca-Cola products in various settings.  Coca-Cola uses Twitter for real-time engagement, sharing updates on promotions, r...
Read more

Do Social Media Platforms Have a Duty to Promote User Mental Health?

  I think in today's digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our lives, shaping how we interact, share, and perceive the world we live in.  do these platforms have a duty to promote the mental health of their users, do different social networking sites offer other benefits, and does it have any drawbacks?  I personally think these platforms do have a duty to help their users with mental health. Also, the mental health impact of social media use is multifaceted. On the positive side, these platforms could help foster community, provide support networks, and offer educational resources, all of which contribute to improved mental well-being. Conversely, excessive use can lead to anxiety, depression, and social comparison. Also, with Cyberbullying from peers from either misinformation, or the pressure to maintain a certain online persona can exacerbate these issues. it creates for instance as a Teen you may be really concern on what your friends/ p...
Read more