Online Arguments
To analyze arguments online I decided to go to X, formally known as twitter, and search what people are saying about the latest Vanderpump Rules reunion.
Vanderpump Rules is a reality show about a bar, Real Housewife star Lisa Vanderpump owns, and focuses on the drama between her staff. Over the 11 years it has been on air there has been an additional episode after the season concludes where the cast comes back together to go over what happened.
This year the reunion focused on the aftermath of the drama from the previous reunion, where a large affair was revealed. Over the course of the most recent season divisions occurred between cast members and the audience over who is in the right, specifically between Arianna and Lala (Lauren).
Ariana had been previously with, Tom Sandoval, for over 10 years before he cheated with one of her closets friends, Raquel (Rachel). In the direct aftermath Lala, and most of the cast, rallied behind Ariana. However, in the most reason season there was a switch as now the cast, especially Lala, was pointing the finger at Ariana for not being willing to continue filming with Tom for the show.
I chose this specific argument because the recent Vanderpump Rules drama has interested me ever since the explosive reunion last year. I also knew that viewers are very passionate about the series, as these people have been public figures of sorts for many years, and fans feel very loyal.
One big concern I have with this argument is that one of the users tries to claim that their opinion of Ariana walking off of the recent reunion was, "not really an opinion" insinuating that it is fact. Just because one is passionate about something they believe, and even truly thinks they "saw" it, doesn't make it fact. Its important to acknowledge when the things we post online, especially in response to others, is just an opinion and isn't any more valid then another because we say so.
Another concern I have is the tone and the passive aggressive comments that are made on both sides. One user puts "Huh?" at the beginning of their response to imply that the previous comment from the other user is untrue. The other user replies to this with, "Your opinion, not mine." Online arguments are usually fueled with back and forth and passive aggressive comments, and do not lead anywhere. However, they can be constructive if both sides just remains respectful to each others opinions and doesn't use insulting language.
My last concern is that the users are making some pretty bold claims about the actions and behavior of both the cast members they support, and hate. One user at the end insinuates that Ariana wanted to pull out halfway through because she has a "financial out". The same user in the first message, that was originally a reply to a whole other users post, claimed again that Ariana "earned her check and made the ending". Making bold claims like this on the internet is what sparks rumors that really have no proof other than people opinions, and the amount of posts that claim it to be true.
In order to correctly argue online, users should follow five rules: acknowledge opinions, speak respectfully, avoid bold claims without proof, check emotions, and remember your digital footprint. Remembering that most of what we claim is just an opinion and we can not expect it to be taken as fact is important before engaging with others online. We also need to respect the other users that we are speaking with online in order to expect it back and to have a constructive conversation. Avoiding making bold claims about others or situations without proof can help prevent the spread of damaging rumors and false information. Checking our emotions and making sure we are not using angry tones or insulting language in our messages will also help keep conversations online respectful. Finally, we need to be aware that online arguments are not the same as the ones we have in person. What we post online stays there and can shed a bad light on our characters. Following these rules while engaging in any conversation online will help protect our online presence and the overall environment on the site.
Argument Via X (Twitter):
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