How to Win an Argument on the Internet

Engaging in arguments on the internet has been a favorite American pastime ever since the Internet started. You can win your argument with facts, with logic, with common sense, and you can even have a little fun and use humor to win an argument on the internet.

There's a great internet cartoon that shows a guy sitting at his computer typing away frantically. His wife is in the background, saying, "Honey? Are you coming to bed?" and he replies, "I can't! Someone is WRONG on the Internet!"

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep your emotional distance.
   
   One of the keys to winning any argument is to prevent the other guy from getting to you. If you stay calm, cool, and collected, you'll drive your opponent crazy.

2. Stick with the original argument.
   
   It's a common tactic for those coming from weak positions to try to change the argument parameters in mid-discussion. Don't fall for it. Firmly refuse to follow the tangent and hammer away at your original point.

3. Use humor to win an argument.
   
   Gentle teasing, especially combined with keeping your emotional distance as outlined in Step One, is extremely effective. Nobody likes to feel foolish, and many people do not take well to being teased and will simply blow up, which destroys their credibility.
   
   By the same token, if you are the one teased, roll with it and stay calm. Meeting humor with humor will make that tactic a draw when your opponent tries to use teasing against you.

4. Let your opponent get in the last word - if you have to.
   
   The last person to post isn't necessarily the winner in an argument on the internet, so don't fall into the trap of feeling you must have the last word. If you have made all your points, you can leave your opponent's last (and possibly foolish) remarks just sitting there and the result will be his loss, not yours.

[luyoung]

on 9/9/2009 Thank you I could really use this information especially lately. 5 stars and recommend