Internet discussions, have they ever made you change your mind?

lazygal · 24-08-2012 03:40PM #1

There's a fair few heated debates on boards and other internet fora (yes, they do exist). Has any heated or well-reasoned view that you initially didn't agree with cause you to change your mind about anything?

Bipolar Joe · 24-08-2012 03:41PM

No because I am right all of the time forever and ever.

Dave! · 24-08-2012 03:41PM

No, I find that itinerants rarely have anything worthwhile to say tbh

El Guapo! · 24-08-2012 03:42PM

The sexism thread in feedback opened my eyes a bit.

And I too am now also of the opinion that I'm a cúnt.

The King of Moo · 24-08-2012 03:44PM

I've mentioned this recently, but a thread I started about people not reading books gave me a greater understanding of the mindset of people who didn't read (specifically fiction) and helped me to realise that a non-reader is not necessarily lacking in imagination, and that often they just have a different way of thinking than I do.

I usually don't have my changed by internet discussions (apart from my opinion of posters being lowered when they post drivel) because I'm usually right.

kneemos · 24-08-2012 03:45PM

Yes,oh I mean no.

Shenshen · 24-08-2012 03:45PM

lazygal wrote: »

There's a fair few heated debates on boards and other internet fora (yes, they do exist). Has any heated or well-reasoned view that you initially didn't agree with cause you to change your mind about anything?

Yes.
I used to consider myself a Catholic (non-Irish, but still). And after a discussion on an international forum I realised I wasn't... I didn't believe any of the stuff the church goes on about.
I'd call myself an atheist these days, it just seems way more honest.

24-08-2012 03:50PM

Yes.

I used to be opposed to gay adoption. After reading and taking part in many debates on the issue over the past few years I've completely changed my mind, and I can say that this change is entirely thanks to Boards.

floggg · 24-08-2012 03:50PM

Yea

eth0 · 24-08-2012 03:51PM

I used to think a lot of the people arguing weren't gobsh1tes, now I know for sure they are

floggg · 24-08-2012 03:51PM

Yea, it has. Maybe not a complete 360 on an issue but other peoples opinions has certainly helped shape mine.

If your not prepared to take on board what other people say what's the point in joining in a discussion?

Bipolar Joe · 24-08-2012 03:57PM

floggg wrote: »

Yea, it has. Maybe not a complete 360 on an issue but other peoples opinions has certainly helped shape mine.

If your not prepared to take on board what other people say what's the point in joining in a discussion?

If you did a 360 you would agree with them and then not agree with them all over again.

GarIT · 24-08-2012 03:58PM

Definitely.

I still don't think you should be allowed receive bans for stating facts no matter how hurtful they are.

Rabidlamb · 24-08-2012 03:59PM

Good thread title, it's what we're here for, a bit of healthy debate with a bit of wumming thrown in.
I was more pro-choice but now I'm back on the fence.

Chuck Stone · 24-08-2012 04:11PM

The Julian Assange thread over in politics is interesting and I would have thought he was justified in avoiding going to Sweden.

Now I think it would be better if he did go having considered the 'he should go' side but mostly for different reasons. I couldn't give a damn about Assange making the UK look bad or the 'you-must-obey-the-law' gang.

kneemos · 24-08-2012 04:12PM

Bipolar Joe wrote: »

If you did a 360 you would agree with them and then not agree with them all over again.

Not a complete 360,I think what he's trying to say is he did a 170.

24-08-2012 04:15PM

gvn wrote: »

Yes.

I used to be opposed to gay adoption. After reading and taking part in many debates on the issue over the past few years I've completely changed my mind, and I can say that this change is entirely thanks to Boards.

Can't say it's changed my mind, I still wouldn't want to adopt a gay.

4zn76tysfajdxp · 24-08-2012 04:18PM

floggg wrote: »

Maybe not a complete 360 on an issue

kneemos wrote: »

Not a complete 360,I think what he's trying to say is he did a 170.

Oh my god.

floggg · 24-08-2012 04:26PM

Bowen Uninterested Cocoa wrote: »

floggg wrote: »

Maybe not a complete 360 on an issue

kneemos wrote: »

Not a complete 360,I think what he's trying to say is he did a 170.

Oh my god.

Yea, I ****ed up. I meant a 180 obviously.

It's Friday afternoon, my brain has been shut down for the weekend.

Sunnyisland · 24-08-2012 04:28PM

lazygal wrote: »

There's a fair few heated debates on boards and other internet fora (yes, they do exist). Has any heated or well-reasoned view that you initially didn't agree with cause you to change your mind about anything?

Yes, The David norris thread, also more open to other peoples POV.

Love2love · 24-08-2012 04:31PM

Yes I usually agree with whoever gets the most thanks

pragmatic1 · 24-08-2012 04:37PM

Yes. If it's a well reasoned argument supported by evidence.

MaxSteele · 24-08-2012 04:56PM

Yeah actually.

Youtube's anti islamic videos had me in a mindset of viewing muslims as nothing but a barbaric scourge on the world and that the interference by the west was justified. I had many heated debates with people all over YT about this.

While I still strongly agree that islam as a religion is too ignorant and backward, I have a lot more sympathy for moderate, peaceful muslims caught in Middle east war zones or who face unwarranted discrimination as opposed to when I had a YT account.

Sleepy · 24-08-2012 05:37PM

Yup, quite a few times. One even lead to a huge raise for me about 6 years ago when I took the advice of someone I was arguing with on the Work & Jobs forum. Bought him a few pints at a Boards Beer to thank him!

Napper Hawkins · 24-08-2012 06:03PM

I like having my opinions challenged or when it's pointed out that I'm straight up wrong.

I think it would really bother me if everyone agreed with me all the time as I'd learn nothing.

castletownman · 24-08-2012 07:02PM

Nope.

I've won so many call show debates because I refuse to hang up the phone.

minidazzler · 24-08-2012 07:05PM

Yep, I used to be completely against abortion and the British. Now I am completely supportive of abortion and I have a few friends in the British army.

Dangerous Man · 24-08-2012 07:08PM

Sometimes. But I don't admit it and continually argue in a small-minded fashion, doing my best to sidetrack the actual argument and point out petty inconsistencies, or make snide remarks regarding the other guy's username etc.

CrazyPrices · 24-08-2012 07:08PM

Yes, they regulary change my mind. From calm and composed to angry, trembling with murderous rage.

crazy cabbage · 24-08-2012 07:13PM

In fairness yes i have

No point in joining a discussion if you are not willing to accept that you might be wrong.

If you are right then you will have educated other people
If you are wrong then you have educated yourself
So in theory everyone is a winner except in afterhours where everyone thinks they are right

Rubber_Soul · 24-08-2012 07:14PM

Nah, any opinions that differ from mine I instantly dismiss as the bleatings of a liberal, lefty-loonie, commie, pc brigade member that wants to hug scumbags and kill babies.

Internet discussions, have they ever made you change your mind?

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