ONLINE ARGUING

“What is evident from the studies on the Backfire Effect is you can never win an argument online.”

David McRaney in “You are Now Less Dumb”

I am so relieved.  The burden that I felt was mine, the burden of convincing folks of error, has been lifted.  It had occurred to me over the past couple of years (slow learner that I am) that whenever I tried to convince people in online conversation that their stance on any number of issues was incorrect they only seemed more firm in their convictions.  Logic, reasoning, factual evidence all seemed to be lost to their brains which I assumed were shrinking to the size of a pea.  But I was wrong.  We, none of us, can be reasoned out of our basic beliefs, whether right or wrong, in online arguments.

Psychological studies are weird things and often seem a little bit perverse.  But when conducted fairly and repeatedly, with proper controls and by different groups of researchers it’s tough to argue with the results.  David McRaney, a journalist with a strong interest in psychology and research into the workings of the human mind, has produced a couple of books that bring a great deal of esoteric knowledge into the grasp of those of us who would otherwise be inclined to ignore some very important information.  His books “You are Not So Smart” and “You are Now Less Dumb” are funny, fascinating and very helpful in allowing us to see that a great deal of our thinking is so built in, so automatic and reflexive, indeed, so genetic that it’s a wonder any progress in rational thought is ever made.  I’m not going to review the studies that he points to in his wide ranging chapters.  You can do that on your own.  But one section in the second volume was particularly striking to this writer.  The chapter title is “The Backfire Effect”.  This section demonstrates that our notion that we alter our opinions and incorporate new information into our thinking after our beliefs are challenged with facts is a wrong headed idea.  In fact the research seems to show that when our deepest convictions are challenged by evidence that should sway our thinking, our beliefs in fact get stronger.  That old joke “Don’t confuse me with the facts ma’am, my mind is already made up” has more truth than we’d like to believe.

In studies conducted by psychologists from several universities around the world, and reported in reputable peer reviewed journals it was discovered that folks with strong beliefs are not so easily persuaded (especially in online discussions) to give those beliefs the old heave-ho.  So when I considered some of my online conversations with folks about any number of subjects I realized why I have no converts.  None.  Not on anything. 

When one of my online friends posted another article claiming that President Obama’s birth certificate doesn’t actually exist I did my best to explain that the thing has been seen, recorded and reported on, reliably and completely.  My friend now thinks I’m part of some secret cabal in cahoots with the president. 

Another online friend is constantly sermonizing on the health benefits of that leafy green stuff, kale.  My own research shows that kale is a prime suspect in the increase of flatulence among vegetarians and senior citizens who tried the vegetable at several meals.  But did my highly technical research impress the kale pusher?  No.  That person continues to pursue the kale lover’s agenda.

Some of my politically left-leaning friends (yes I have them) often post their views on social networking sites.  No amount of reasoning will convince them that government is evil, evil, evil.  And many of my conservatively inclined friends post views that are so far to the right that Rush Limbaugh would duck under his desk if those folks stormed his studio.  I've tried to show those people in my online comments that their views are too strong, too polarizing or, let’s face it, too damned wacky, but to no avail.  And believe me, if I, who reside somewhere to the right of G. Gordon Liddy, think those views are wacky then they surely are.  But those friends can’t be swayed away from believing they have the right to drive a locked and loaded Sherman tank in their suburban neighborhoods.  They won’t give up on the idea that the government is actually being controlled by the “mother ship” which orbits the moon, staying on the dark side at night and only sneaking out during daytime to pass messages to the Committee Responsible for Just About Everything, or COREFJAEV.  Pointing out that no such committee exists doesn't help.  Pointing out that the “mother ship” has never been detected is fruitless.  My poor misguided friends are fruitcakes and they’ll stay that way, thank you very much.

Based on this research about the “Backfire Effect” I've decided to stop arguing online.  When someone with liberal ideas posts some offensive cartoon I’ll just ignore it.  When folks with an anti-vaccination agenda start pushing for the repeal of public health laws, I’ll stay quiet and continue to encourage parents, in private face to face conversations, to be sure that their little urchins get the shots they so richly deserve.  When my online friend with the Amway business uses the computer to try and recruit new members for his pyramid scheme I’ll ignore him, except to send him the names of a few of the folks who are annoying me with weird political messages.  I encourage all of you to follow my example.  Except for the part about the Amway dealer.

If we all quit arguing maybe the dopey postings will go away.   Even if they don’t go away you’ll be less stressed knowing that your need to educate those posters has been scientifically proven to be ineffective and thus unnecessary.  And with all the extra free time available in your online life you can read my blogs or at least search for some good poetry.  Besides that, reducing your arguing would be a nice thing to do.  It’ll be easier for you to - have a fine day.