Arguing with someone on the internet

I agree. I think more often than not the demand for a source means they have no counter argument and they can smugly act like your argument is wrong if you can't instantly show a link. I think a better response is to flip a link that supports the counterargument rather than call for source. Of course the problem is that this takes time you might not have before the thread gets shoved off by porn. Which the people calling for source are well aware.

It's also rare to see someone say "I don't know, let me look into it". As if admitting to not knowing something is a defeat, or a weakness.

Take it from a former research professor. The idea that academics are empirical thinkers is a myth. One thing academics are good at is name dropping to make it seem like they really know their stuff but just like online they know you can't look up what they're referencing. If you watch an academic argue there is an inverse relation between the amount of names or studies dropped and how closely their specific fields match.

Ow, that's disheartening. Academican bluff still alive and well, bugger and damnation.

It's intended when it's a troll attempt, but only then. Hence, a case where the answer is that it's an obvious diversion tactic. Having it happen on accident fits under the answer of Google ruining people's brains.

At that point, I usually force them to dig their own smug-grave.

This. So, so much this. Its like the idea of a professional nowadays is someone who knows the answer to every question instantly rather than someone who is able to find you the correct answer with a little investigation. Its like when dealing with doctors. I have a lot more respect for a doctor who says, "I'm not sure it might be this" rather one that confidently rattles off a latin phrase that basically translates to ""unknown malady"

I thank you guys for the talk - unfortunately the greater throng of Yas Forums will never know, nor care.
Also *academical - my typing fingers are wibbly.

>they know you can't look up what they're referencing.
Big this. "Pay $$$ to view this shitty study in an obscure journal or admit I'm right."

This is why the peer review is important.

It get worse. Another myth is that for scientists what is being said carries more weight than who is speaking. But in reality academics worship authority "the big names" with more rapt adoration than teens at a Bieber concert..