I suppose that specifically I am wondering if there are any things you do to perhaps:
- stay calm
- calm the other person down
- get them to understand you better
- understand their point of view
- diffuse trolls
- just be a good person who wants to participate in a conversation that enhances your understanding of others, different cultures, and the world and how it works
This sounds like me 10 years ago. Also still 2 years ago.:-) Now, I take a different view. Others have already said it, but I wanted to reiterate the obvious: the purpose of trolling is not to engage in a good-faith argument, but just to mess with you. It’s basically as effective as arguing at a brick wall, except arguing with a wall doesn’t hit back (or dox you and come at you with a literal irl gun or bomb). For a much more in-depth explanation, this is an excellent video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmVkJvieaOA. TLDR: you are governed by one code of ethics, while they are not.
Also that Sartre quote:
This being said, the Socratic method sometimes works. Just keep asking them questions and let them argue with themselves.
Obviously not everyone online is a troll.
Depends on what you mean by “works” - it won’t change their minds, though I suppose you mean it can help reveal their style to other onlookers.
It is like arguing with children, except that’s fun! :-D
I was hoping the link would go to the Alt-Right Playbook, what a great series of videos. They should be obligatory viewing before venturing on the web nowadays.
Sadly not everyone chooses to partake in this “knowledge thing” that others value so high. Anyway yes, they are fantastic!:-D
That’s a great video! Thanks for sharing that.
You are very welcome:-).