this post was submitted on 26 Oct 2025
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Then answer as though they are asking in good faith, remain calm (which can be difficult, I acknowledge), and avoid dismissing their feelings or position. Remember that you're talking not just to them, but to everybody who reads the exchange in future, and some of those people will need those calm words to turn away from the rabbit hole.
This is the most important part. If they're arguing in bad faith, or they're just stubborn and stupid, you're not going to change their mind even with the kindest and most comprehensive response. But there are lots of people watching, and a lot of those people are trying to decide how they feel about the subject in question.
The best thing you can do is stand out as the voice of reason in an exchange. Your conversational partner might not be convinced, but onlookers will be.
And take breaks. You don't have to be everyone's savior. Do the help you can, when you can and just try to make the internet a little safer and happier than you left it.
The problem with this is that the trolls will have more time to sealion than you do, so even if you are confidently and eloquently rejecting their ideas, they will just keep flinging new bullshit until you run out of energy and they get the last word.
The last word rarely matters, what will leave an impression is the overall tone of the discussion. Once they start going in circles, you can wrap up your position too.
Most importantly, if you don't feel like you have the energy to engage in a discussion, just leave it, you don't owe the internet masses your energy.