You see it everywhere now. On Facebook, on Twitter feeds, even in the comments section on a celebrity's controversial Instagram post. It starts with one thing, usually a political statement, and flares up into something bigger. However, what I've noticed is that none of these arguments on any social media platform are ever really articulated fully, calmly, or backed up by facts.
We see the term "fake news" wherever we turn. Even our president has deemed the most credible of organizations such as CNN and The New York Times as a source of fake news. However, does anyone know what the term even means? Let me explain. "Fake news" is a source of "alternative facts." It's news that shamelessly publishes outlandish articles in order to garner a reaction. It's news not based in fact. It is anything, but credible. Nonetheless, those armed with this idea of fake news can deem any thoughtfully investigated argument as wrong and based on lies.
I think, as a society, we have abandoned our ability to do our research and debate. We allow our own allegiances (both in politics, religion, and other issues) to cloud our skills. I see it on my own newsfeed. People arguing, but no one is really saying anything. This lack of conversation divides people. It makes people puff out their chest and scream the loudest or say the nastiest of words in order to assert dominance in an argument. What does that accomplish? Nothing. It just burns more relationships.
Our president said in a press conference about using torture methods to combat terrorism that he is willing to "fight fire with fire." We've all learned in kindergarten that fighting like this will only cause more issues. Fighting fire with fire will only make the world burn. Although Mr. Trump said this statement in regards to terrorism, it applies to the heated arguments I see on social media platforms every single day.
We are so convinced that our side is right and the other side is evil that we fail to investigate a situation, understand both sides, and talk with someone whose opinions differ than your own. This type of behavior has highlighted a much more irrational side of our society. A side that causes more problems than solutions. Isn't that the point of conversation? To discuss an issue completely in order to fix it?
I think we can get back our flare for debate by doing several things:
1) Researching
I have mentioned this several times in this article, but here it is again. Don't just rely on one or two major news organizations. Look for this information on several credible news sites like The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, or ABC. Here is a complete list from BusinessInsider outlining the most trusted news sources. Also, doing your research ensures that you're not just taking someone else's information at face value. Just because they are citing a source, does not mean that are correctly representing that source such as taking it out of context. Research both sides of the argument.
2) Outlining and Editing Your Argument
Make sure you type your argument and reread it. You do not want grammar or spelling mistakes because this will make your reasoning seem sloppy, unsupported, and emotional. You want to communicate your point as concisely as possible. You're spouting cold facts, not an opinion here. You also want to check if your argument makes sense and that it isn't condescending. No one responds to that type of tone or any name calling. Remove any "lols" or "haha" from your comment as well. That takes the seriousness of your debate, which ruins your argument's credibility, and it will come off as patronizing.
3) You may win the debate, but sometimes that won't mean a thing
Just because you followed all of these steps, does not mean you will change someone's opinion. You may be wondering what was the point of understanding how to adequately express an argument. The person you are debating will think of your argument whenever they come across similar debates. They will understand your reasoning and will most likely remember it favorably because you were polite yet factual.
That's the point of debating. The ultimate goal is never to sway someone over to your side because that will probably not happen. People are stubborn by nature. The goal is to voice your opinion, start a conversation, and understand both sides. Once society begins to understand both sides of an opinion, real solutions will be welcomed.
