I agree: the issue with "I love X" as a pure statement is that it has nothing to do with why we argue on the Internet.
Debating a topic is supposed to enrich us on that subject. I have changed my opinion on things before, based on Slashdot comments (this was way back), and now based on HN comments.
Of course, there is also the need to portray ourselves as clever. That's the real driver for flamewars: sophistry.
But saying "I love X" does nothing for either cause. People interested in rational decision-making are not engaged; trolls are not discouraged; and newbies are not educated on how to argue better.
Debating a topic is supposed to enrich us on that subject. I have changed my opinion on things before, based on Slashdot comments (this was way back), and now based on HN comments.
Of course, there is also the need to portray ourselves as clever. That's the real driver for flamewars: sophistry.
But saying "I love X" does nothing for either cause. People interested in rational decision-making are not engaged; trolls are not discouraged; and newbies are not educated on how to argue better.
(edit: fixed a run-on sentence)