Anil Dash:
Arguing online is like wearing a sharkskin vest. You look like a jerk. Try responding in 140 characters without over-simplifying your point and turning into a parody of yourself. Twitter doesn’t have to be a playground of mutual affirmation, but its constraints make it hard to find common ground when you don’t agree. Abandon Twitter as a form of social validation.
I’ve tried very hard to stop arguing online this political season. When struck with the urge to post a snarky (yet admittedly brilliant) retort to someone, I simply ask myself why I am so angry. That brief moment of introspection is enough to soften my disposition. The result is either no post at all or a more thoughtful and empathetic response that generates real discussion.
The article from Dash is from Bloomberg BusinessWeek’s 2nd Annual How-To Issue. You should check out some of the other advice, including how to fail, how to save Greece, and how to make coffee at home.