Has Boards changed your stance on some issues?

steddyeddy

Have a look at page one of After Hours and you'll see that some threads generate thousands of posts and last for weeks. A lot of these are about divisive issues like Northern Ireland, religion, gender equality and education ect.

I don't like posting in some of the longer threads because they're always the same. You have poster on side A debate with poster on side B. Is there anything to be gained from these debates and have you ever changed your stance on an issue because of a debate on here?

Galwayguy35

Well I voted no on the gay marriage referendum but reading the thread on it here afterwards I realised I wasn't correct on some of the facts so yeah it changed my mind on that.

Something like say abortion I would never change my mind on, although I think both sides on it would agree it's just something that whatever your view on it there is little chance of changing your mind on it.

MarkAnthony

It has for me, I used to think that the majority of people are intelligent and sane.

eviltwin

No can't say that it has

Yep. I used to think images were a terrible idea in forums.. After Hours has taught me over the last few years that they're actually great.



As a serious answer, I think my opinions about trans people changed earlier than they would have because of a prolific poster called linkzzz or something.

R.D. aka MR.D

I've definitely learned things from boards. So, I might read something and then go and google it and find more info.

I don't think it's changed my stance on anything. In fact, I think that it's made me more passionate on how much more education we need on certain issues that I think are important. It's also interesting to see that Irish people who are around the same age as me and have access to the entire internet can still believe some things that are really terrible or basically untrue. It's kinda scary.

maudgonner

I don't know if it's changed my stance on things but it's definitely opened my eyes on some issues. A small example - there was a thread recently about the armed forces in Ireland and some of the army guys posted about their pay & conditions. I was pretty shocked at how bad the pay is compared to other branches of public service, not something I had ever realised before.

I also find it fascinating how entrenched some posters are in their views. I try to see both sides of a situation and would assume most other people do too, but there are loads of examples of people who seem to see everything as black & white and have no interest in the shades of grey in between.

R.D. aka MR.D

MarkAnthony wrote: »

It has for me, I used to think that the majority of people are intelligent and sane.

This reminded me of this:

https://youtu.be/8rh6qqsmxNs

George Carlin on stupid people

I don't think it's changed my stance as much as making them more informed on occasion.

I find the kind of people who will NOT bend or rethink, regardless of the new information or evidence in front of them, pretty interesting to watch as they clutch at straws to support the thinking they're comfortable with. Generally the people who think reasons equal excuses in issues they shout loudest about.

One eyed Jack

Boards has never changed my mind on anything as such, just given me a more informed perspective on some stuff is all. It's interesting to me to read other people's opinions on lots of different things, like science and stuff about travelling the world and other cultures. Politics doesn't interest me at all.

The Randy Riverbeast

Not really, there's been some things which I might not have had a strong view on either way and then read something on boards to convince me one way or the other. If it's a view I have and express then chances are it's something I've looked into.

There are some people who see things very black and white, I'm more of a grey person that sees pros and cons to most situations and rather consider the realistic option even if it's not ideal rather than just sticking to pure ideology.

The flying mouse

Yes, it has informed me a bit more on some issues and opened my eyes on others,its good for me auld brain to read other peoples opinions even though i would not agree with anything they say, Its good to talk.

steddyeddy

I'm not being bad when saying this but do you realise the people who complain about people not changing their opinion have also stated they never changed their opinion on anything?

maudgonner

steddyeddy wrote: »

I'm not being bad when saying this but do you realise the people who complain about people not changing their opinion have also stated they never changed their opinion on anything?

Haha, that's a fair point! :pac:

One eyed Jack

steddyeddy wrote: »

I'm not being bad when saying this but do you realise the people who complain about people not changing their opinion have also stated they never changed their opinion on anything?

Now that you mention it, I noticed you haven't given your opinion?

Has Boards ever changed your stance on an issue?

steddyeddy

I have changed my opinion on some things on Boards. It depends on how the debate is carried out though. If you're debating with someone not even dealing with your points then you'd be less likely to change their view.

Badly Drunk Boy

steddyeddy wrote: »

I'm not being bad when saying this but do you realise the people who complain about people not changing their opinion have also stated they never changed their opinion on anything?

It could be that people don't want to admit that Boards has changed their opinions on stuff. Saying that might make them seem weak or malleable.

KomradeBishop

A good term for this kind of debate I read recently, is that it's an 'interminable argument' (original page down atm) - and ya, even though these debates don't really get far, they are still very useful for testing your point of view and learning about a subject in greater detail, as well as motivating further learning to back your view.

So yes, my viewpoint/stance regularly changes in debates - not often in line with who I'm debating with though...

One of the most curious things though, is the psychology of why people seem to immovably hold certain views - I am big on critical thinking and basing my views on evidence (where you shape your views around the evidence, not the evidence around your views...), and it's very hard (but interesting) to try and understand the motives, of why people hold some views in the face of contradicting evidence. It makes me very cynical about the motives sometimes.

steddyeddy

Badly Drunk Boy wrote: »

It could be that people don't want to admit that Boards has changed their opinions on stuff. Saying that might make them seem weak or malleable.

Well I have. If I don't know a lot about any issue there's no harm in saying I was misinformed.

Dirty Dingus McGee

It hasn't changed my opinion on anything.

If anything it's just further entrenched the positions I already hold on various issues.

One eyed Jack

KomradeBishop wrote: »

A good term for this kind of debate I read recently, is that it's an 'interminable argument' (original page down atm) - and ya, even though these debates don't really get far, they are still very useful for testing your point of view and learning about a subject in greater detail, as well as motivating further learning to back your view.

So yes, my viewpoint/stance regularly changes in debates - not often in line with who I'm debating with though...

One of the most curious things though, is the psychology of why people seem to immovably hold certain views - I am big on critical thinking and basing my views on evidence (where you shape your views around the evidence, not the evidence around your views...), and it's very hard (but interesting) to try and understand the motives, of why people hold some views in the face of contradicting evidence. It makes me very cynical about the motives sometimes.

The problem usually arises from their having a different understanding of what constitutes evidence, to your understanding of what constitutes evidence, and even often times what constitutes critical thinking, or a framework for the discussion. How many times have you seen issues that start off in an Irish context, but then don't be long veering into an international context or some historical or cultural relativism thrown in for good measure. It's impossible to limit the discussion to parameters each contributor would like, because the more important thing to do seems to be to crush the person who disagrees with you, and it's less about fostering understanding and respect for other people.

I do take your point though about basing your views on evidence, but I often read things and then forget where I read it or the name of the book or journal so it's harder to cite properly. I'm not usually intending to have to go too hard though in online discussions, but I'm always trying to improve how I express what I'm thinking, so that people can actually understand what I'm getting at and they're not left wondering wtf is he on about now?? :pac:

I wouldn't say I've changed my stance as such, but the threads on the Israeli-Palestine conflict have made me rethink how I feel about it. Previously I would have been very much on the pro-Israel side because I think Israel has the right to exist and to defend itself from attack, because it's the only democracy in the Middle East that doesn't treat women and LGBT people like second-class citizens and because Hamas is a terrorist organisation. However, reading more about the history of the conflict, about the Israeli settlements and the actions of Netanyahu and the IDF definitely made me uncomfortable, because I also believe Palestine has the right to exist and that the oppression and suffering of ordinary Palestinian citizens is a terrible shame. Those threads have made me realise that it's not a black or white issue; supporting Palestine doesn't automatically make you a far-left Anti-Semitic Islamist while sympathising with Israel doesn't automatically make you a far-right Islamophobic Zionist fascist. (although there are definitely people on boards who fall into those categories, and I've learned that the best way to feel about the conflict is to not be like them! :pac: )

The whole water fluoridation thing is another example where boards helped me figure out where I was. Previously I would have had no opinion on the issue but reading through sensible posts using legitimate science vs quacks with conspiracy theories made me realise that I am favour of it.

Peregrine

I wouldn't say changed but it certainly contributed to my loss of religious faith and, with it, a lot of different issues.

freshpopcorn

Boards changed my mind on abortion. I was originally swaying to one side of the debate but it changed my mind completely in the opposite direction. There might have being a few other things online as well.

RayM

It's made me truly despise right-wing people and wish that they were all dead.

One eyed Jack

RayM wrote: »

It's made me truly despise right-wing people and wish that they were all dead.

Irony, right?



At least I hope so!!

RobertKK

I like reading different opinions, you can learn from other people, on some issues my stance can change, on others no.
I use to get into long debates but it so stupid to, and the way i feel is everyone is entitled to their opinion, whether that is something I don't agree with, or whether it is someone who doesn't agree with me.
We are all entitled to hold our beliefs, and whether it is oneself or someone else, believing something different doesn't mean someone who hold a different opinion is necessarily wrong.
A good discussion on boards can change some opinions.
It is nice to get into a debate on boards where each side is showing the other side respect, and with respect one is more open to what the other person has to say.
The worst thing is a put down, I never change my opinion if someone makes me angry by trying to make me feel little.

RayM

One eyed Jack wrote: »

Irony, right?



At least I hope so!!

More of an exaggeration than irony. Should I ever stumble across a right-winger who doesn't come across as a dreadful human being, I will change my stance.

matt-dublin

No, I'm always right!

FFS

arybvtcw0eolkf

Deleted User wrote: »

As a serious answer, I think my opinions about trans people changed earlier than they would have because of a prolific poster called linkzzz or something.

This question came up awhile back and I answered more or less the same.

Links also opened my mind to the issues facing the LGBT section.

Although I've experience of serving on the Israel/Lebanon border and would have been staunchly pro-Israel and very anti-Palestinian Nodin has softened my views on the issues facing Palestinians.

Mint Aero

I'm the most influential person on AH. I'm a leader not a follower.