Have you ever changed your mind because of an online debate?

Seriously. Have you ever got involved in a discussion and thought "my word, they were right all along, abortion IS a bad idea", or are we just enjoying a pointless shouting match?

No, i know i'm always right

...I think it's interesting to see other peoples points of view. You speak from your own perspective and life experiences!...doesn't mean one is right and therefore the other must be wrong. Unless you're quoting facts and then the source of fact could be at question anyhow.
... never changed my mind but some of the discussions have given me a broader perpective, more understanding and may even have shifted my own view to a degree.

I enjoy reading people's opinions and sometimes I will even fine tune my one, but I usually still go away thinking I'm right - for me.

Windy Miller and Tash said it for me. I get a chance to carry on a lively conversation, learn from people, fine tune my opinions, or have my opinions further validated by another's arguments.

Adrian

What she said. I don't frequent these boards to debate about political or social issues anyway. Actually, I don't frequent these boards to debate anything.

Since I've been here I have learned a lot from various discussions. Especially considering the fact that the discussion is among people from all over the world. I enjoy seeing how someone in another country views my opinion - even if I'm sure I'm right. I like hearing other views and opinions.

Have I changed my basic thinking - no - but I have learned stuff that I might not have known otherwise. That's the part I like the best.

Kathleen

Fine tuning maybe, as others have said. But a complete change of opinion no.

Anyway, a 180° turn around is rarely admitted by anyone... online or offline. It takes time and probably "unconscious thinking" for a mind to change.


Ponrauil

I don't think the point of these debates is to get people over to your side. Rather to learn from others and in order to do that you don't need to change your mind.

It's always a good thing to be in contact with people who don't have the same opinions as you and to keep a healthy debate.

very true.


So, complete change of mind. No.

However, what's more important: I've been exposed to views I would have never seen otherwise and I have learned to appreciate what I didn't before and that is more important to me than a change of opinion.


Exactly.