Online Arguments

For today's assignment looking into online arguments and their validity, I decided to use one of my own TikTok video comment sections to demonstrate the lack of substance and outrageous statements often associated with online arguments. I chose this comment section for this assignment because the video sparked some controversy (weirdly), and it immediately came to mind when researching for this project because of the ridiculous arguments made in my comment section.  For example:

The first negative example I would like to acknowledge is a majority of people who disagreed with my video were commenting under private accounts with no real name or profile photo attached. You see accounts like this all over the internet, trolling creators and saying things they usually wouldn't because they don't feel the accountability they normally would in an in-person interaction. 

The second negative example is this user's argument having nothing to do with the content of the video; because they disagreed they resulted in using insults and immediately got defensive. The content needs to be addressed to form a valid argument, and there needs to be supporting evidence. This is something else I see online often because social media is a place to leave short comments and captions. It is infrequent to see an argument backed with facts and evidence. On top of this, because so much content is thrown in people's faces and commenting is so accessible, people feel the need to argue over pretty much anything they can. It is easier to scroll through a video or post you disagree with than take the time to comment and argue in the comment sections. Still, there is a weird source of adrenaline and validation people can receive through online arguments.

The 5 Rules of Online Arguments

1. Determine if it is something worth arguing about

Before you go ahead and start typing away, ask yourself; is it essential for me to engage in this comment section?

2. Focus on the content and not on the looks of the creator/outside factors 

Many times I have seen people disagreeing with creator's opinions and responding with hate comments to demean them; this has no positive effects. The point of an argument is voicing your opinion and trying to persuade the opposition of your point of view, and that can't be done without focusing on the topic at hand.

3. Back your argument with evidence 

Incorporating facts or even a hyperlink to your argument is very easy to increase your credibility.

4. Take into account the opposing view

I know it is hard to listen to something you disagree with, but it is essential to listen and understand what the other person is trying to say.

5. Be kind

Is this something you would say in person? Are you hiding behind a private account? If the answer is yes it probably isn't an argument you should be making.

Here is the link to my video!

https://www.tiktok.com/@rinoa.storms/video/6985705181962964229