How the Internet Makes Us — More Wrong

Recently, I got into a debate with someone prominent online. Now, granted, “online debates” don’t typically follow debate etiquette. In proper debate etiquette, the point is actually to learn from the other person, not necessarily convince them of anything and certainly not insult them or condescend to them. Rather, online “debates” are virtually always borderline, or outright arguments.

This individual, who shall remain nameless is quite brilliant — an author, a startup founder, likely quite wealthy, with a lot of education. Just the kind of individual who should be wise to logical fallacies, and cognitive biases.

This individual posted something about business I believed was wrong. Further, I thought it could be harmful advice. So I presented my counter-argument. When challenged, they didn’t budge an inch. Keep in mind, they had shared this post on social media, so their reputation as a business “guru” and wise person in general was at stake.

It got me thinking.

When was the last time you changed your mind publicly online in a debate?

I’d argue, most people never do so in their whole lifetime. To publicly admit you’re wrong, is simply too painful. Rather, the majority of people double down on what they believe. No matter the facts presented. No matter by whom or how they’re challenged to think differently.

But here-in lies the danger:

Say someone, hopefully not a celebrity (but it often is) posts something clearly, dangerously wrong on social media. Soon, people challenge them with counter-arguments. They don’t budge. Rather, they double down. The heated debate draws in more and more people commenting on either side. This results in these debates being promoted to the top of algorithmic feeds. These aren’t debates of course; they’re heated arguments invariably full of vitriol which may be promoting both terrible misinformation and hate.

Multiply that times billions of people, and millions of posts per day. That’s a big problem. No amount of content “moderation” may be able to get a good handle on that.

Thanks for reading.

Photo credit: Oussama Bergaoui