I've been reading quite a few political debates today, and I began to think about this question.
I don't think I've ever had my mind changed by an internet debate. I have during in-person discussionsI like to listen to lots of different peoplebut never on a forum, a comments page, etc.
If minds aren't changed, is it all sound and fury signifying nothing? If so, why do we keep doing it? I get that people like sparring, but 90% of posters in these sorts of things just sound miserable (and I know I rarely come out of participating any happier than I was at the beginning).
I suppose it's a bit of an arms race (i.e. if my side shuts up first, we'll have lost). And I suppose it's passion ruling the day; as a fairly political person myself, I understand the urge. But if it's not efficaciousif it's just entrenched people yelling at each otherdoesn't it seem pointless?
Has anyone here genuinely had their mind changed/position tempered/vote decided based on an internet debate?