they find it easier to produce memes and farm engagement on X or facebook echo chambers where there's no need to try and formulate logical and internally consistent discussion.
I do indeed find there is no need to try and formulate logical and internally consistent discussion in social media outlets.
Unfortunately, that is also the case at every science-themed board I've ever visited, as soon as the topic strays outside the domain of the board. I've even come across people who have argued explicitly that there is no need to know what you're talking about or reason logically in domains other than their own. At this board, I've seen people argue explicitly that we should not point out mistakes, if they have been made by people arguing against hoax claims. So much for "logical and internally consistent discussion". This idea that we should compromise our intellectual integrity and become the hypocrites that the hoaxies sometimes claim we are, really put me off of this board.
On the plus side, I have cited (multiple times) one particular member of this board as a good example of someone who understands the principle, "STFU when you don't know what you are talking about" - a skill that is often sadly lacking, even among scientists and engineers.
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