Sealioning - Lemmy.World

‘Sealioning’ is the word that sums up why Twitter discussion is so unbearable [https://macleans.ca/culture/sealioning-is-the-word-that-sums-up-why-twitter-discussion-is-so-unbearable/] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealioning [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sealioning]

It’s a clever method of trolling. But if you come prepared and/or are willing to put some effort in, you actually can wreck them with evidence and sound arguments that shuts them completely up.

This is very satisfying.

Sealioning is a type of trolling or harassment that consists of pursuing people with relentless requests for evidence, often tangential or previously addressed, while maintaining a pretense of civility and sincerity, and feigning ignorance of the subject matter.

Often the troll will just shift slightly and keep making demands regardless of evidence.

Don’t let them dictate the convo. You can assert control as well, don’t let them lead uncontested.
What’s your usual method of parry?

It depends too much on way too many factors. Generally I’ll be almost as polite as they’re being.

Convos usually involve turn-taking though, so once you’ve provided evidence or a sound argument, you should not be forced to do it again. It should be their turn to assert something, and then possibly have to provide whatever.

Just don’t let the opportunity pass to treat them exactly, or potentially slightly worse, depending, than they’re treating you. Don’t stay on defense, assert, ask questions, directly contradict, whatever is needful.

When repetition occurs I link to the previous point in the conversation.