On the other hand, there are times when I have written paragraphs of well sourced text on my phone, and just before pressing "Post" I realize that I don't care about it.

I generally never enter an online debate with the intention of convincing the other person of my point of view. I enter a debate to provide a (hopefully) strong counter argument for the benefit of the lurkers reading.

As an example, I am extremely unlikely to convince a tankie that the USSR's authoritarianism is a bad thing, but my arguments may help a less politically savy reader not become duped by a tankie's propaganda, and that's worthwhile to try for.

Sometimes it's about clarifying your own thoughts.

Those arguments are for the onlookers.

If one views them as discussions instead of arguments, they tend to turn out better.

Good thing that argument fizzled out in a chase for internet points and nothing was taken out on the streets.

It's not about changing minds, it's about being right. 😎

*recieves hundreds of downclicks for my long ass rant*

FUCK ALL YALL I'M RIIIIIIIGH