I spend way too much time (according to some) on internet message boards and such answering questions and engaging in arguments about theology and politics. If you are familiar with the cartoon http://www.mattcutts.com/images/duty_calls.png then consider me THAT guy.
But why do I do it? I blame the internet.
The web has had an incredible egalitarian effect on the world. Anyone with an opinion can present his unfiltered view out there and the masses can stumble upon it. Gone are the days of fact checking and where only the official representatives of a group had a loud enough voice and could issue edicts, challenges or other statements which could then be dissected, rejected or perfected by other experts of other groups.
But the web has leveled the playing field. Now, the foot soldiers -- the man on the virtual street can wade into the fray. When I post a message on a forum, you might be tempted to ask me "why argue with that idiot? He knows nothing and its not like he is speaking on behalf of anyone else." But that's wrong. He might know nothing but on screens around the world, his words have the same weight as someone who knows a lot. Since we can't verify CV's before we answer, and we all operate under the quasi anonymity of the web, every posting and message has the same ability to influence, confuse or educate.
Maybe it used to be that the top guys argued with the top guys and the lower down guys sat around and led their lives. But now, the little guys can shout just as loud, and the other little guys need to shout right back, so that the people on neither team hear a full story.
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But "why argue with that idiot? He knows nothing and its [sic] not like he is speaking on behalf of anyone else." I agree that his foolish comments may go around the world and may even confuse others, but how can you be sure that those who see his words will see yours as well? Don't waste your time. If people dismiss his nonsense, fine. If they take him seriously, that's their problem.
ReplyDeleteIf I participate in a dialogue in a forum, I have to expect that my post on a topic will reach the same audience as any others' would, and that my silence will speak as loudly to the same audience. And when they take someone's ignorance for knowledge, or someone's hatred for fact, it become's everyone's problem.
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