Perhaps one of the worst places to hold a debate can be accessed anywhere with a computer or phone.

The existence of the internet has brought many comforts, whether it’s being part of a community or posting regularly about their lives or interests. It has revolutionized American and even international cultures in many ways, true to the vision that many had beheld in the past.

Yet, as with many good things in recent times, it has come with its unique and plentiful caveats. These can be most commonly seen in online spaces such as, though not limited to, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit. These platforms contain some of the most aggressive and antagonistic communities.

With this being said, sweeping generalizations across members of a community shouldn’t be grounds for prejudice. However, they can be breeding grounds for such aggressive users who seemingly are willing to fight tooth and nail to uphold their own opinions and views, whether it be political or simply as mundane as video game or influencer communities.

For example, if someone were to criticize or uphold a material, media, or belief, there’s a good chance that they can be met with an extremely harsh reaction, such as toxic responses, threats, or even as far as doxxing–the act of publicly releasing private information such as home address online.

Nowadays, many online arguments have fallen in structure and etiquette, even when surrounding political discussions and topics. Ad hominems are commonly used instead of proper and thoughtful counters; opinions without data or evidence to prove such are pushed out so aggressively, and debates boil down to whoever is the most stubborn or who can shout the loudest.

Apart from mundane, everyday topics and interests, politics has also been impacted negatively by how it is treated on social media. Carlos Moreno, a teacher at LOHS, testifies, “I think social media has corroded the way we talk about these things…what social media has done is, instead of two Americans–who love the country–have different opinions about the direction [the nation] should go, it becomes ‘oh, I love America, but you are a demon, you hate this country.’”

All over the internet, extreme and oftentimes hurtful political stances are taken. People lash out at one another by demonizing them instead of looking at the bigger picture: our unity as Americans. While disagreements are inevitable–especially with current world and national events–we should ultimately look past our differences and try to better our society and nation to the best we can.

But now, a bigger question is this: how has politics in social media, especially in recent years, become so disorderly?

Moreno shares his own opinion, stating that “Donald Trump has poisoned the discourse. We’ve always had presidents who are members of a party, but these presidents don’t demonize the other party…he demonizes everybody. [He believes] everyone is a radical left, or [a] lunatic.”

When our leaders exhibit the voice of a certain group in America instead of trying to appeal to unity and cooperation, aggression becomes the main norm in our political climate. This becomes retransmitted on both ends, whether it be in support or backlash. Social media has amplified the effect that the polarization of the left and the right has, resulting in the disintegration of etiquette and respect for one another.

Above all, even if we don’t respect the opinions that another has, we shouldn’t let emotion control our views or responses. The fellow citizens with whom we debate are just as worthy of free speech as we are.