Scrolling through the internet is a wonderful way to pass the time. I can scroll for hours looking at funny videos on YouTube or taking BuzzFeed quizzes because it is imperative I know what type of pizza topping I’d be. However, there is always one section of the internet that I try to avoid at all costs, and that is the comment section. This is where debates turn into full-blown arguments, and just viewing some of the content there only stresses me out.

Online debates can be found on nearly all websites, ranging from the comment section found below a video to forums designed for discussing specific topics. However, just because it is available, does that mean the internet is an efficient place to have debates? I personally believe that the internet is a great platform to get one’s opinions out there and have debates. The only problem is some users do not keep conversations on the internet as reasonable debates but turn them into keyboard screaming matches.

The internet is a great platform to express one’s self and beliefs. It is a big creative outlet, and everyone has the right to voice their thoughts, thanks to the First Amendment. So, why not do it on the internet?

The internet allows us to connect with others, and it is a platform where our voices can be heard by a bigger audience. You can meet and have a debate with someone halfway around the world. The problem is when users take the ability to talk with others anonymously for granted and, basically, bully others with a computer and a hidden username. One way that internet platforms have tried to regulate this issue of debates turning ugly and evolving into bullying and harassment is simply to delete the ability to comment, but I think that will not solve anything. People should have the ability to freely debate online because the comment section adds a little something extra to users’ experiences with websites. Commenting online gives users the chance to find new friendships and ideas. It also brings a sense of community to the internet, and it is not OK to shut that down because these online communities create solace for those that find it hard to get that sense of belonging in real life. Debates online can help people make friends and talk about things they are passionate about. As long as the internet users stay civil during their online use, these comment boards would not have to be taken down, and online communities could continue to thrive. 

I feel it is crucial to express one’s opinions to others and have a healthy flow of opinions so that society can advance. We need to express our ideals, so I believe that the internet is a great platform to express one’s beliefs and have debates as long as they use logical facts for debating. There are no repercussions to what they say because they are behind a screen during these debates and can ignore what is socially acceptable or verbally degrade others.

I feel that it is OK to debate with others via the internet until debates cross that thin line and become an argument. That is why, just like a normal face-to-face conversation, it is not OK to use the internet as a tool to scream and rant about one’s beliefs to someone else.

I’ll use Facebook as an example. Everyone has that one friend on Facebook that is always posting very controversial, political or just rank-type posts that always trigger a comment frenzy. This is usually when simple debates move away from discussions and become arguments where insults are thrown to try to get points across. Viewing these types of debates online has never changed my stance on a particular belief, but I can say it has changed my views on those arguing. If people keep to civil debates and not bigotted rants, I think it’s OK to use websites to voice their opinions. The key to not abusing our right to free speech is keeping it classy and not being a rude person just because the opportunity had arisen. If internet users keep their online debates levelheaded, the internet would be an even better place where people can talk rationally, make new friends and watch cat videos.