In modern times it has become increasingly difficult to have a simple disagreement without it becoming a problem. Conversations that once had room for debate now often end in silence or hostility. At a time where online interactions shape our daily lives, disagreement feels more public and criticized than ever. The focus now remains on whether anyone still knows how to handle opinions correctly.
Social media platforms reward strong reactions not thought-provoking discussion. The loudest voices are always pushed to the top making peaceful compromise look weak instead of mature. Researchers found that outrage and fake news travels faster than real reporting because it provokes a stronger reaction. A 2021 Yale study showed that outrage amplifies online engagement, meaning that stronger reactions bring more traction to information. When platforms prioritize algorithms and engagement, very extreme opinions usually stay in conversation, while the mature perspectives are usually buried under the chaos. Tied to this fact is cancel culture online. Since the boom of social media, countless celebrities and ordinary people have been blasted online for actions or opinions, the most extreme cases losing their platforms all together. Though if played right, influencers begin to profit off cancel culture because all news bring traction and attention to a person.
“Cancel culture has become such a big part of social media, and honestly it’s entertaining to see, but I think it’s pretty ridiculous most times,” shared junior Maria Alonso
Due to debates that turn into arguments, many people choose silence rather than speaking up. The new-found fear of being publicly called out or misunderstood discourages many to share their opinions. Groups avoid certain topics basically self-censoring themselves to avoid arguments growing aggressive. Disagreements quickly become personal attacks, the biggest topics for these fall outs are cultural debates and political views. Though many argue that disagreement is a sign of passion for the topic and that intense reactions show that people care. However, being passionate and caring about a topic without being respectful rarely leads to change. Conversations turn into battles with the aim of just being right and winning; the discussion disappears.
“There are many topics I feel passionate about and enjoy to debate, but I always try to stay respectful and not get too heated; causing more issues won’t change anything,” shared junior Jillian Martinez.
The ability and inability to disagree respectfully is not just a reality online. Classrooms, friendships, and even families are affected by disagreements, sparking divide. Learning to agree to disagree is a valuable skill that should be adopted by everyone, but this doesn’t mean you should defend your position any less passionately. The problem isn’t disagreeing; the real challenge is listening without immediately insulting someone’s position. If respectful debate declines, society risks not only losing engaging dialogue, but connection to the topic itself.
