Why do people always seek out conflicts?

Question

When a person has an opinion on a topic they always seek out others with an opposing view, why?

Answer 1

Silly rabbit.......cause' Trix are for kids!

Answer 2

Dialogue without opposition goes nowhere.

We could just extoll each other's words.
"You're so Right! I Know! We're Great! We know everything!"

But dogmatism is rather weak when challenged by those with the strength to challenge at all.

I, personally, want to know how and why something is the way it is, not because I think I'm always right. If there's a flaw in my argument, an opponent may have a better perspective.

If they turn out to be w r o n g, are illogical, inconsistent, and are misleading others, I have every right to tell them how and why they are not intellectually sound. And not purely for selfish reasons, such that I benefit from massaging my ego, but that their deluded message is seen for what it is instead of being regurgitated ad nauseum.

Answer 3

Not all, but some, are insecure in their views and they need to validate their opinion. Seeking out conflict bolsters their confidence and security. If this is done publicly, they are also doubling as a signal buoy to allow prospective allies to lend support.
I think the good approach is to constructively debate with others, but, respect their views.
Another reason conflict is sought out is that sometimes criticism is collected and pent up. When an opportunity presents itself, the steam is let out in a huff.

Answer 4

first of all, not everyone seeks out conflicts.
some people deliberately avoid conflicts.

but for those who do seek conflicts, it is not always a bad thing. sometimes seeking a different opinion can actually be a good way of testing your own theories. for example, scientists usually develop counterarguments for why their ideas might not be true. its part of good critical thinking. you try to understand your enemies' point of view to better understand your own.

also, it can be helpful to define yourself against something. this is called "othering". it can be seen in lots of exampls of ethnic conflict and racism. there may not really be such a big difference between ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, and Serbians, and yet they hate each other. they define themselves in opposition to the "other". that, unfortuately, seems to be human nature for many people.

Answer 5

Actually, there's a lot of evidence for exactly the opposite pattern: people tend to associate with others who think and act much like they do, and when people are in diverse settings they tend not to discuss potentially controversial topics. Even here in cyberspace, like-minded groups will often converge and defend their turf (blogs, bbs's, usenet groups), abusing and belittling outsiders ("trolls") who post sufficiently conflicting opinions and judgements. It isn't a hard and fast rule, but it happens more often than not.

Answer 6

Some people thrive on conflict. I personally hate it and will do pretty much anything to avoid an argument.

Answer 7

We cannot be who we are until we are who we're not. Seeking out opposing views allows us to experience that which we are not, thereby getting closer to who we are.

Answer 8

because we need to have somethng to gossp or be mean about. its sad, but people thnk its boring to be nce all the time so the only way to add a little excitement is for them to stir up problems. Also, theyre insecure and hide it behnd arrogance and over confidence in their convctions

Answer 9

The basic instinct..... sense of security.... surges out at wrong places because of disillusioned perceptions !

Answer 10

it stimulates my thoughts, i like opposing views, i respect them, because it helps me understand why they are nuts and i am just crazy.

Answer 11

in an attempt to prove that they are right and to take a one up positon in an attempt to gain control