[exDemMom]

While it’s hard to quantify the distortional effects of such online nastiness, it’s bound to be quite substantial, particularly — and perhaps ironically — in the area of science news

I have seen this a lot here on FR. It is predictable that every time someone posts an article about a new medical advance, the anti-science kooks come out of the woodwork. Being a scientist, I do not leave pseudoscience unchallenged. When challenged, anti-science nutjobs nearly immediately jump into name-calling. They will not (cannot) support any of their positions, but seem to think that personal attacks are valid arguments.

Keeping in mind that personal attacks and name-calling are tactics meant to shut off debate, it is best (IMO) to remain calm, avoid name-calling, and stick with the facts while challenging the troll to provide evidence for their claims.

[daniel1212]

but seem to think that personal attacks are valid arguments.

And never in any way impugn the Catholic church without expecting it to result in personal insults or an inane image in lieu of an argument.

[laotzu]

anti-science kooks..anti-science nutjobs nearly immediately jump into name-calling

Yeah. I hate it when people do that.

[minnesota_bound]

I agree with you and would go to the ends of the earth to support your comments but as the world is flat I might fall off....