Do We Agree Too Much Online? Yes We Do- I Mean, No We Don’t

I hadn’t really thought about it until you raised the issue, but for me, I think the problem is that I am more likely to join a conversation when I see a statement/observation/argument that I agree with, especially if it’s well put. I’m inclined to reply and say, “Yes. That’s exactly what I’ve experienced as part of X”. A bit of positive encouragement is a great thing.

However, if I see a statement I don’t agree with, the decision making process is more complex. I may a) overlook it – it’s nonsense so why respond? b) abstain from giving my opinion, so as to avoid confrontation – especially if I generally respect the opinions of the person making the statement c) disagree publicly – but then I have to be sure I have the time and supporting evidence ready for the (potentially heated) argument that is much more likely to ensue than if I’d agreed…so sadly, again it’s often easier to d) do nothing publicly, but quietly mutter dissenting comments into my keyboard.

(side note: I find it’s generally easier to join a debate where opinions from both sides are already being voiced, than to be the first one to come out with a contradictory argument against a so far respected opinion – again, not an excuse, just an observation)

Overall, then, I do a bit of all of the above depending on the circumstances, but I never (I hope) agree ‘just for the sake of it’ because that’s, well, silly.

Having read this, I’ll certainly be making a concerted effort to make sure I comment when I have something to say, not just when I have something to agree with.

Twitter Comment

“Do We Agree Too Much Online?” via @dough. [link to post]

– Posted using Chat Catcher

Twitter Comment

RT @TDefren: “Do We Agree Too Much Online?” via @dough. [link to post]

– Posted using Chat Catcher

People comment/reply in three cases: When they agree, STRONGLY disagree or they feel they can add something to the conversation. I’m guessing there are a lot more things that people sort of like or aren’t against that they comment on just to comment. They don’t feel they can’t add anything to the post and may have had a similar idea before, so they say “Great post, totally agree.” and their stamp is on it.

Taking it to the negative side and full out disagreeing with a topic takes more motivation. If a post or comment isn’t stabbing at someone’s beliefs, morals or opinions, they’re not going to take the time or energy to reply. Bottom line: It’s easier to agree with something than explain why you disagree.

I think the most benefit is actually had from the third reason people reply. If you can add to a topic–whether you agree or disagree–you can engage others and actually start a meaningful conversation or debate.

I think it’s difficult, if not impossible, to come up with cogent criticism in 140 characters or less. Positive tweets like “Yes, that’s right!” and “You are too kind” are much easier to write concisely. Due to time management issues I try to avoid getting into debates (or logrolling) on Twitter and focus instead on identifying substantive, useful information that’s linked from tweets (including this post, of course).

Emily– i think you have hit upon something– people give more thought before disagreeing- perhaps there are a lot of empty negative vibe shopping carts in comment-land (to use a tortured ecommerce metaphor). But then again, maybe most of us are just too chicken to start a debate?

Terry: You are so flippin’ wrong in your response.

Mike: Yes, we are all guilty– you more so though ;)
Tammy– maybe it’s just easier to beg people to add their separate thoughts- always- even if they agree. That’s a lot of work too, though

Tim- I wasn’t talking necessarily about Twitter- though it’s just hard to add detailed debate in 140 characters, true. Again, the time management issue– more time for promoting things we like and agree with, and ignore rather than debate the “wrong” stuff.

This is why I exist, to sow discord and to not only disagree, but to be disagreeable. :)

Actually your assessment is right on for the largest percentage of people… some of us like to take on the dirty (and fun!) job of calling BOOLSHEET on people and I enjoy getting the frequent DMs that say “Thank you for saying what I was thinking!”

Of course, then I have to yell at them to grow a pair and say it themselves from now on. :D

Twitter Comment

RT @chrisbrogan: You know, @dough ‘s right with this post. People agree lots in public – [link to post] {AMEN & WELL SAID!}

– Posted using Chat Catcher

Chris– so we have the 2-faced people waiting to jump on someone to build up their own rep (they get filed in with the trolls and social miscreants, yes?)- along with the general agreeableness of many of us, we see a black hole of no-real-debate.

akaMonty- Thanks for saying what I was thinking!

Keith– I’ll add– you need to add value in agreeing, too. Take something you like and push it up to the next level. You (all of you) are as smart as the guy or gal who thought up the interesting post you agree or disagree with anyway, right?

Exactly– my posts can tend to be fragments– the germ of an idea to start discussion. when it works (like this one has), the comments give it a fuller life.