Column: Your angry comments won't change people's minds

Satisfied and drowsy, I set down my phone. Having spent the last three hours arguing on social media, I’m ready to call it a night. As I brush my teeth I peer into my own eyes, reminiscing about the numerous upvotes my YikYak post earned and the fleeting rush of superiority I felt over the clueless chatter in that Instagram comment section.

Finally, I drift off to sleep, cracking a smile as I do — for today, I made a real difference in the world. At least, that’s how I imagine the pugnacious users of the internet end their days. If only these windbags would put away their phones, they might notice that there’s a physical world out there — a place where those who are earnest often influence public opinion.

Comment section debaters should take action, not just advocate for it.

Unfortunately, it is clear that the intention of those who spend hours fighting on social media is not to actually effect change, because surely by now they realize that no one cares about their opinion any more than they care about others’.

As ubiquitous as online arguments are, they are most often the product of just a few nitwits — a mere 16 percent of Instagram users have been in an argument on the platform. From experience, this vocal minority tends to argue from a place of emotional distress rather than relying on facts, often failing to support their claims with evidence or responding with a dismissive “TL;DR” reply.

While, of course, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with forming an opinion and sharing it, at least make sure you have the chops to properly defend yourself before attacking a person, comment or post.

It takes an impressive level of unbridled confidence to so stubbornly assert one’s convictions online, and a lack of sympathy that few dare to maintain. Productive conversation requires each party to be receptive, but online, many seem more focused on “ratioing” (getting more likes than) their opponents rather than engaging meaningfully.

There are plenty of current issues that warrant frustration, and managing pent-up emotions can be challenging. However, it helps no one when someone chooses to be an armchair activist in a comment section rather than addressing the root of the issue constructively.

But let’s give the keyboard warriors the benefit of the doubt and assume they understand this. 

Maybe what drives a person to spend hours battling strangers online is the allure of validation — a desperate craving to be recognized or agreed with, even if only by a handful of people.

Online, it’s easy to hide behind a blank profile picture and/or a private profile. Anonymity distances a person from real-world consequences and gives them the courage to post things they would never say in person.

When an attention-seeking person makes a claim on social media, whether baseless or not, there is only upside, as they will be noticed irrespective of their argument, and some others will lend their support. I struggle to think of a more fulfilling way to live life.

The nature of online debates is a microcosm of a larger societal problem — polarization. Social media platforms are designed to engage us with algorithms that favor conflict and instigate division, keeping us online and companies’ pockets deep. The trouble is, as more people flock to the internet to argue their views, they become more entrenched in their beliefs and less open to differing perspectives.

So don’t waste your time arguing online. If you want to change the world, know that you won’t do it in a comment section. Ignore the noise, get out there and do something.

Because the best way to make your voice heard is to actually use it.

@dthopinion | opinion@dailytarheel.com