Wow, thanks for the sources. I don’t listen to podcasts but will check out his book.

Also worth considering how open you (the royal “you”, not OP specifically) are to having your own mind changed; before getting worried about the minds of others.

To add a personal point: For me if I feel anger, in a debate where the oposition just countering my arguments (and not obviously trolling or use fallacies), that usually means I ran out rational arguments and my brain tries to protect me by turning on the fight/flight/freez reaction, that’s the point I can learn if I can keep my emotions in check.

I usually only join a debate when I am interested in the other side’s perspective.

Good point, and I love when someone presenting other perspectives (even when I disagree!)

Tags are a good suggestion. I did not know about them before. Probably won’t use them. I hate to categorize ppl, and would fear that my current emotions and their state of mind when they commented would missplace them.

I think I never blocked anyone either. (probably not enough engagement from my part to feed trolls)

I did. Not from a single thread, but many-many accumulating over the years, combined with other sources.

It is especially true with new topics which I don’t have a pre-existing knowledge.

Yes, coming from a very conservative religious background challenging my world-view with every media and discussions I read online (reddit when it was good) I changed for the better good.

I personally like to expose myself to ideas which are contradicting my personal experience/views. It is painful, but rewarding.

Also like to use the arguments I heard/read in a debate where I agree with my ‘oposition’ but want to keep the conversation going. I learned the hard way, that I have to be very clear upfront about it. And the other side has to think through the arguments instead of responding with emotions.

I higly disagree on your point, discussion are required, they don’t have to change either side’s mind, but should build them. Also don’t forget the audience, it is possible they don’t have a pre existing strong opinion (or at all) on the topic.

It is very unlikely you will ever get a feedback that your opinion mattered, but it can happen, and it can change lifes.