Ask Lemmy

Information is competition if it can change the world. Information is informative if it is widely known and simply repeated. Choose what innovative thoughts you share carefully. They spread timelessly to open minds once they’re out.

Yeah, there are a few things I can't discuss. I was trying to discuss antisemitism with a group of Jewish people and that was clearly a discussion where there was no point even conversing. Merely asking for information was too much. It's a shame because I've learned a lot from various groups who have expanded my world view by sharing their understanding with me. But ultimately I think any area of discussion can end up being painful and pointless if the people you're conversing with have immovable beliefs - climate change, identity politics, socialism /capitalism are all possible tar-pits

Yes and I’ve largely opted out of the same conversations irl too, for my own mental health I have to check out of certain conversations

Yes because there are certain areas where paid actors, including bots, overwhelm any organic discussion. I have discussions about stuff like that in private chats with people I actually know.

i usually do. it also helps to check first if the sub is light-hearted and sharing is very welcome.

there's a chance the sub is already at a devolving to name slinging and memes and that requires a different touch.

All the time.

The block button works for me

That's probably smart. Even with important things I don't think online arguments have ever swayed anyone. I like being an annoying vegan and arguing about it occasionally, but sometimes it's just frustrating and I have to disconnect for a while.

Yes. But more importantly, I find myself (in hindsight of course) participating in conversations I probably should not be participating in to begin with.

I have a bad habit of leaping without always looking. If you look at my comment history, I’m sure it’ll stick out like a sore thumb. But that is my proverbial cross to bear, and it’s something I feel like I’m getting better at.

But, that aside, there are plenty of things I’d love to discuss with people that I know would not be received well, or like you said, have been discussed to death.

Great question!

I have done this from time to time. Need to go back to it. There's too many Dwight Schrutes online. Thanks for the wisdom. OP.

I was typing something, was going to just delete. So yeah

Yeah, there's plenty of topics I avoid discussing on the internet. I'm not here for an argument.

I don't mind discussing politics or religion, even though I don't repeat myself in the same discussion and don't engage with trolls. However, I absolutely never discuss my family, my personal matters and my racist views.

Yeah, and the worst is when people are talking about something I know a lot about, getting virtually every detail wrong, and I have to resist saying anything because I know my input will either be ignored, or worse, straight up unwelcome.
Luckily the blessing of being dumb as bricks is that that doesn't happen a lot, but I sure hate when it does.