Internet debates: useless? or useful...

[RighteousRob]

Personally I enjoy a good debate, and doing it online is an easy way to have fun with it. I've managed to learn a few things and have even been persuaded to look at things from anothers perspective.

But I wonder, is it that way for everyone? Who here has learned something from someone else? Ever been encouraged to look deeper into a subject (and actually done it)? Have you ever been proven wrong? Did you keep arguing anyway just to win?

[Deekle]

I have learned a lot of points from the internet that I use in real life. I think debates in general have a hard time shaping people's opinions, all you can really do is supply info for the other person to think about. I think internet debates are nothing like the real ones but they still provide some food for thought.

[chup1n]

I´m always right so whats to debate?

[skullreken]

I have seen ugliness in the form of hate and ignorance carried in some people who come
here personally I think that internet debating is an interesting bit of entertainment but I
don't it is extremely useful some people will bring valid points and back up what they say
with references of give a well worded opinion that might make you consider things from
the other side but in most cases the comments are too vague to provoke interest or lead
to an argument rather than a debate. it really depends on who is posting

[RighteousRob]

I agree with that, I've seen some pretty good debates around here, many of which were beyond me because they were in a subject I know little about. But I've only once had someone piss me off and that was because of an inappropriate innuendo they had made about me killing myself. Other than that I've yet to have a problem in a debate besidtes the occasional person going "well this is the way it is and that's all there is too it"
The way some people resort to childish behavior when they can't defend their point amazes me at times. But it's all fun still

[Yiew]

Isnt this thread rather ironic?

If they really are useless, whats the point in discussing it? Or, if they are useless, isnt that just void of its own opinion if it really is pointless?

A strange concept.
I like to view debates from the side lines until someones post antagonises me to get involved, so I wouldnt really call myself someone who is constructive to the whole debate, but a few interesting points do get raised.
I cant say I like or agree with all of them, but some really do make me wonder.

So, in essence I dont think they're 100% useless, as facts are quite easy to come by, but that is also a down fall. Not all internet facts are correct. Wikipedia, a source that most of us have used most likely, isnt always correct. In saying, the quick easy way to find a fact may not be terribly detailed, or may simply be, different.

I wouldnt really call this topic a debate though, more general discussion but seeing as how its related to debating, it may as well stay =P
Theres no real point being argued, at least yet. Theres potential, but then again, going back to my first point, is it worth it to argue something you think is pointless?

[skullreken]

well the wikipedia thing is a half truth some articles are unsubstantiated but many of them cite books and articles which give credence to what is stated in them

[stints]

Real is always better but when do you find people that truly wish to debate certain things that could be very controversial? I find the internet a good way to debate because people can always hide behind the "anonymous" cloak that it provides.

[x-pan]

I like debates although it's a stretch that I learn anything new. Usually I don't. Usually debates are about philosophical crap. blegh. don't get me wrong some of it is sorta interesting but useless nonetheless.

[RighteousRob]

I agree with stints, having a buffer between you and the other person can often help provide the debate with more honest and unique ideas. I know I am more likely to debate certain things online because if I have an idea that is more controversial I am not as concerned about being judged.

[Skank]

Yep, I learn something new, and learn other's views, but I always have my opinion, which I can back up. Sometimes, I dont really change my views, but I add on to them from other views.

[RighteousRob]

I'm surprised no one has admitted to the forth option of flaming someone for there stupid ****... I guess I didn't word the option properly. I had meant something along the lines of replying in a debate due in part solely because you just couldn't let someones ignorance go unchecked. I mean i know there have been several times while reading some peoples replies where I just had to throw my two cents in