In reality most people tend to back one side or the other based on their "gut" and if they've had a similar showerthought before and it backs up their own ego, while requiring extensive proof to change their mind.
Also in an ideal world you shouldn't just passively consume arguments on the internet, but do actual reading on the subject. Neither side on an internet debates actually owes you anything.
> Neither side on an internet debates actually owes you anything.
I disagree, the person trying to convince you of something always owes you an explanation.
Actual reading on something, while a good thing, never resolves an argument because you can't replace the person you are arguing with's premises with a generic premise from somewhere else and come to a reasonable conclusion.
I mean, i think we agree here. One post explaining your position is what i think is owed - if you gave zero explanation but still expected people to believe you (e.g. just yelled "bullshit" and walked away), i think that would be an unreasonable position.
Also in an ideal world you shouldn't just passively consume arguments on the internet, but do actual reading on the subject. Neither side on an internet debates actually owes you anything.