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[–] 22 points 2 years ago (8 children)

It's also frustrating because there are people who are sincerely trying to discuss in good faith while having a different opinion, which is camouflage for the sealion trolls.

Of course, people increasingly forget about the former group completely, and react with hostility... It's understandable, but unfortunate for healthy discussion.

At least in your case, your response is to lay out robust arguments to explain your position, which is productive regardless of whether they're trolling or sincere. I've learned a great deal over the years from strangers on the internet putting a clinic on someone who may or may not have been trolling.

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  • [–] 13 points 2 years ago (4 children)

    Accusing people of “sealioning” is a great way to not have to defend or discuss poorly thought out or sourced claims.

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  • [–] 5 points 2 years ago (3 children)

    True, which is why if someone accuses you of sealioning you should be prepared to explain your position and the reasoning you used to get there. Not asking questions of them but instead explaining your own position.

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  • [–] 8 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    So, the issue is that behaviorwise they're indistinguishable from each other.

    Intentionally or unintentionally ignoring signals that a person isn't interested in debate or discussion with you is just as annoying to the person being bothered either way.

    It doesn't matter if your intentions are sincere or not when you decide to pester someone into a debate they're not interested in having.

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  • [–] 9 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    Yeah true, the persistent pestering component is arguably always trolling. I guess that's one of the signals that you can use to distinguish.

    I can still think of gray areas, but I guess that's why it's effective camouflage.

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