Chris Trottier

Facts don't change minds.

That should be top of mind when arguing on the Internet.

In reality, what often happens when you cite facts is that the person you're arguing with doubles down on their errant belief.

This article from UConn is worth reading. https://today.uconn.edu/2022/08/cognitive-biases-and-brain-biology-help-explain-why-facts-dont-change-minds-2/

Cognitive Biases and Brain Biology Help Explain Why Facts Don't Change Minds - UConn Today

For many people, a challenge to their worldview feels like an attack on their personal identity and can cause them to harden their position

UConn Today
Nov 14, 2022 at 8:52pmWeb
Show threadChris TrottierNov 14, 2022

Another reality about Internet arguments is that they're often not about establishing a consensus on facts.

The motivation is usually more simple: winning.

Winning can often be aligned with establishing a consensus on facts but just as often, it is not.

Show threadAnarchyBrowniesNov 14, 2022
@atomicpoet Some of the most annoying people on the internet have whole YouTube accounts devoted to teaching you how to "win" an argument. It's exactly what you're saying. Facts may or may not matter. Not really as important as strategy and technique.
Show threadHans GerwitzNov 14, 2022
@atomicpoet we should have called it sophist media, rather than social media.
Show threadMichal Bryxí 🌱Nov 14, 2022

@atomicpoet Nah, I don't believe that ...

#youSeeWhatIDidThere

Show threadThe Real CoffeeNov 14, 2022
@atomicpoet I certainly can't understand the #neurotypical brain, it's too complicated...
Show threadChris TrottierNov 14, 2022
@coffee Something that helps me out is to consider the power of social status.
Show threadThe HierophantNov 14, 2022
@atomicpoet This really is the crux of the issue. I’ve seen it time and time again. When we don’t use the same set of facts the argument will be detrimental.
Show threadDie Mad 🇨🇦Nov 14, 2022
@atomicpoet
You cannot use reason to move someone from a position if reason did not get them there in the first place.
Show threadTaid TôbiNov 15, 2022
@bjornqc @atomicpoet very true, in particular the herd that voted to leave the EU.