Chippys_mittensDo you enjoy arguing?
AdaI used to, when I used to believe people could change their minds in response to a good argument. Now that I realise no one ever changes their mind because of an argument, I no longer enjoy it. Now I mostly see it as a self reinforcing public display of affiliation
MothraI’d say it is very unlikely someone will change their mind because of an argument. But it is likely that someone will change their mind after several arguments, and some reflection. It may take years. This person may not see things the same way you do once they change, but they may change some of their views.
I’m not saying someone changes solely because of lots of arguments. Or repeated exposure, which I agree, are more likely to cement a position if they are essentially the same argument over and over. But arguments in general add to whatever experiences eventually change someone’s mind. Just another factor.
Fair, but I would put it under the umbrella of “social pushback”. When someone gets enough signalling from the people around them, either at large, or just in their communities and sub communities, they can shift from their opinions. But I don’t think arguing holds a special power there. Just telling someone their opinion is harmful and you don’t want to hear it has the same effect in the long term