Internet Tough Guy Syndrome

College Confidential Community
1

<p>Anyways, while I'm procrastinating...</p>

<p>Guys! I think I might have a problem that arises cyclically, and tends to follow this pattern:</p>

<p>1) I make an incisive, critical, and in-depth post regarding a said topic.</p>

<p>2) Person B quotes and responds in length critically - and sometimes emotionally - to EACH of the points in said topic, likely upset or ****ed off with something in the sharp commentary.</p>

<p>3) I respond to Person B saying that he/she is wrong, and why.</p>

<p>4) Person B quotes and responds to each of the points in THAT post in said thread.</p>

<p>5) I just say "**** it, I'm done here. You're right."</p>

<p>6) Person B continues arguing, sometimes incorporating ad hominems and whatnot. Nothing productive ever gets said in the process. Thread begins to suck. Discussion becomes a zero-sum argument in which internet egos are at stake!</p>

<p>7) Sometimes I return, because the thread is oh so irresistible!</p>

<p>One observation: Sometimes I write long, comprehensive posts that for some reason come off as cold or sharp. And so that really enrages people for some reason. But I really mean well!</p>

<p>Any suggestions on how to remedy this illness? My internet persona is at stake here, and I think the world would be a happier place with fewer ****ed off individuals! Ideas on how to structure posts, respond to people, and not drag on arguments past their expiration date? Muchas gracias.</p>

2

<p>Pick your battles. Most internet arguments aren’t worth even a second of your time.</p>

3

<p>Well, here’s an idea, tough guy - try not starting arguments with people who haven’t talked to you first and mocking people you don’t even know and lecturing them about their lives. no really, it works - if you’re not an ass, everyone will ignore you. works in the real world too. :)</p>

4

<p>Hello Person B.</p>

5

<p>My sympathies, A. I had a similar convo - only for me, I made a (rude) comment on a thread, someone i’ve never talked to started calling me stupid, midguided, etc, I responded, said person continues to mock my goals, worldview, life and tells me I’m doomed to misery, then repeatedly insists he doesn’t care about my life at all and doesn’t know why i’m talking about it.</p>

<p>donchta just hate them internet crazies? :p</p>

6

<p>Re 7.
Don’t bookmark/subscribe. </p>

<p>It would seem patently obvious to the meanest intellect that you, in fact, enjoy combative discourse. This can be good or bad depending on the extremity of the propensity.</p>

7

<p>[xkcd</a> - A Webcomic - Duty Calls](<a href=“http://xkcd.com/386/]xkcd”>xkcd: Duty Calls)</p>

8

<p>^I lol’d at that.</p>