Skip to main content

Online Arguments

Reddit offers a place of sharing, communication, and discourse which can lead to arguments. I happened to come across a post that may lack some aspects of a successful and civil argument.

In-N-Out Burger, a highly popular restaurant chain, has received praise from many as having food that is very good and at a great price. The locations are mostly limited to California (while slowly expanding), leaving many, like myself, curious about the food and whether these claims have merit. 

Well, one of these curious people finally got to try it themselves, leaving them disappointed with what they received versus the hype that praised it, which was followed by a post on Reddit.

While frustration is understandable, this argument leaves more to be desired.
  1. The argument lacks constructive feedback. Claims such as "why are people obsessed with innnout? ... but shake shack is actually really good. So WTF?," dismiss others' preferences without offering constructive feedback. It focuses on personal dissatisfaction and compares negatively without providing specific reasons or constructive criticism.                                                                                                                                
  2. The post contains possibly offensive language. Quotes such as "I was more disappointed than the GOT series finale" can come off as overly dramatic and offensive to fans of both In-N-Out and Game of Thrones. It dismisses others' enjoyment and can provoke defensive reactions.                                                                                                                                                             
  3. The argument has generalization.  Stating "Is this just something ppl say when talking about Cali or do ppl actually enjoy eating there?" generalizes the preferences of an entire region, implying that people from California might just be following a trend rather than genuinely enjoying the food. Such generalizations can create regional tensions and misunderstandings.
To argue online in a better manner, we can consider these 5 rules:

Be Respectful and Considerate 
Always approach online discussions with respect. Other people have different experiences and preferences. Avoid derogatory language and personal attacks.

Provide Constructive Criticism
If you disagree with something, explain why in a constructive manner. Offer specific points of critique rather than vague or overly negative statements. 

Avoid Generalizations
Avoid making sweeping generalizations about groups of people or regions. Acknowledge that individual preferences vary and that your opinion is one of many. Our statements should be phrased in a way that reflects personal experience rather than attributing it to a larger group.

Stay on Topic and Be Relevant
Keep your comments focused on the topic at hand. Avoid bringing in unrelated issues or making comparisons that are not pertinent to the discussion. This helps maintain a coherent and productive conversation.

Encourage Dialogue and Understanding
Create an environment where people feel comfortable sharing their opinions. Ask questions to understand others' perspectives and share your views in a way that invites discussion rather than shutting it down. For example, you could ask, "What do you like most about In-N-Out?" instead of sounding confrontational or dismissing it outright.


References:

In-N-Out Burger. www.in-n-out.com. 

Kayslay8911. "In-n-out is not good." Reddit, 30 May 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/offmychest/comments/1d473is/innout_is_not_good/.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Online Communication and the Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company is a very established beverage corporation best known for its flagship product, Coca-Cola. The company has grown to become one of the world's leading beverage companies, offering a wide range of beverages including soft drinks, juices, bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Today, we'll be assessing their  online presence and communication to see how they utilize digital platforms to maintain brand visibility and audience engagement. Coca-Cola has a strong online presence, utilizing various digital platforms for marketing, communication, and engagement with consumers. Their website serves as a hub for information about their products, initiatives, sustainability efforts, and career opportunities. Additionally, the company maintains profiles on most major social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn, where they interact with consumers, share updates, run marketing campaigns, and address customer inquiries. The...
Post a Comment
Read more

About Me

Hi all, I'm Nathan! I was born in Massachusetts but promptly moved to Spokane Valley, Washington where I have been ever since.  I am working towards a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture after transferring from my local community college, where I was able to obtain an AAS in Greenhouse/Nursery Management. With my BS, I hope to pursue a career in plant biology and exotic horticulture, possibly working in one of a few esteemed tropical botanical gardens in the U.S.  The natural world has always been an interest of mine and in the last few years, I took a more serious turn towards the world of exotic and rare tropical plants. I have a large collection at home and I work at one of the largest plant nurseries in my location. I also enjoy keeping less common animals as pets, such as reptiles and invertebrates. I find it fun to travel with the family when we get a chance as well.  I have never taken a communication class and am excited to learn the various aspects a course like...
Post a Comment
Read more

Social Semiotics

Social Semiotics   is a methodological framework for analyzing how meaning is constructed and communicated within society through various sign systems. This multifaceted approach was initially developed by Michael Halliday in the 1970s and further expanded by scholars like Gunther Kress and Theo van Leeuwen. Social Semiotics is important because it offers a comprehensive way to understand how different modes of communication (such as text, images, gestures, and sounds) create and convey meanings in specific social contexts. It emphasizes the dynamic interplay between signs and social practices, allowing researchers to uncover the underlying cultural, ideological, and power structures embedded within communicative acts. Social Semiotics operates under several guiding principles to decode the meanings of various signs. One fundamental aspect is the spatial positioning of elements within visual compositions , which can significantly influence interpretation. For instance, in Western c...
Post a Comment
Read more