I may have a bad habit of engaging, but if they post something clearly wrong I like to provide context as to why.
It’s not likely going to change their mind, but it’s for the benefit of other people. If someone is scrolling the comments of the post, it’s possible that they’re on the fence or unsure about whatever bigotry is being talked about. I figure if I can help one stranger see both sides of the argument, I can stop the “radicalization” that many of these trolls are going for.
But maybe that’s just naive wishful thinking on my part. I certainly don’t use social media with the traditional “classic” slur spamming trolls though.
I think you’re absolutely positively spot-on with this mindset.
I have a habit of engaging as well, and I also have a bad personality trait of liking to be correct. But. I also think that people spewing bullshit online is at least as bad, probably/usually much worse.
Engaging for the benefit of others is the key. Although sometimes, once in a blue moon, you’ll get these chads who will go “oh yeah, good point” or something similar, and actually admit – with a comment! – that they were in the wrong. I always make sure to let them know they are good people for being open minded like that.
I may have a bad habit of engaging, but if they post something clearly wrong I like to provide context as to why.
It’s not likely going to change their mind, but it’s for the benefit of other people. If someone is scrolling the comments of the post, it’s possible that they’re on the fence or unsure about whatever bigotry is being talked about. I figure if I can help one stranger see both sides of the argument, I can stop the “radicalization” that many of these trolls are going for.
But maybe that’s just naive wishful thinking on my part. I certainly don’t use social media with the traditional “classic” slur spamming trolls though.
I think you’re absolutely positively spot-on with this mindset.
I have a habit of engaging as well, and I also have a bad personality trait of liking to be correct. But. I also think that people spewing bullshit online is at least as bad, probably/usually much worse.
Engaging for the benefit of others is the key. Although sometimes, once in a blue moon, you’ll get these chads who will go “oh yeah, good point” or something similar, and actually admit – with a comment! – that they were in the wrong. I always make sure to let them know they are good people for being open minded like that.
Spread truth, but also love.