When I first read this prompt, the first thing I thought of was all the TikToks I see on a daily basis about the popular show Euphoria, and the comments on those videos arguing about different opinions about characters, theories, and more. I was struggling to find a good example to link so instead I will be talking about the comment section on an Entertainment Weekly article about this past week’s episode. I really like Euphoria and I enjoy watching it and talking about it with my friends, but I’ve found people on the internet take it waaaayyyy too seriously and personally.

Most comment sections I see, including this one, at best could be considered a conversation and more accurately could be called a debate. In many instances, I see comments that are arguing about different theories and showing little respect for the ideas of people, responding with things like “did you even watch the episode?” or “if you like this character you’re a horrible person like them”. In this particular example, one commenter even has to remind another that this isn’t a personal attack against them, just an opinion about fictional characters on a fictional TV show. I believe that the primary reason that this could not be considered a deliberation is because there is little to no respect for the opinions of others.

Deliberation offers facts and people being receptive to the information shared. In this case, there is not verified information being shared, but speculation. Another reason I don’t think a comment section such as this one is deliberative is that most people are not trying to expand their mindset, but to convince others to agree with them. They are not willing to consider that their own opinion on it could be broadened or even changed completely. They are also not considerate of the other people’s feelings or anything that may have happened to them to lead them to this perspective.

Comment sections like this one are often much more akin to a debate. Commenters are looking for weaknesses in other’s comments to use as opportunity to boost their own opinion. There is widespread critique and no consideration for feelings. They are searching for one “solution”- a firm opinion about a character or for everyone to agree on a theory. Commenters want to win, and they think everyone who disagrees with them is wrong.

Overall, I think there are times where debate is necessary, and a comment section of an article about an HBO series for young adults doesn’t really seem to be one of these times. I think a lot of people need to take the one commentor’s advice to heart and remember that it’s just TV!

ARTICLE: https://ew.com/tv/euphoria-star-zendaya-breaks-down-rue-painful-intervention/

Original comment: “I love Euphoria but Rue is my least favorite character. To me, she’s unlikable with no redeeming qualities. Yes, I know she’s a drug attic and we should be hoping for her recovery, but are we really? Everyone in her life would be better off if she were dead, they could grieve, heal and move forward with their lives. This being said, can’t wait for next weeks episode.”

Replies:

“I feel the same way…..Rue is just super unappealing, and I don’t find myself sympathizing with her at all. When her story is on, I find myself losing interest, and start hoping for one of the other storylines to come on instead. Can’t stand Nate either, so I’d be fine with Rue and Nate leaving the show.”

“Rue is the main character of the show. She is not going anywhere. Zendaya is the star of the show and her performance is brilliant. There is no comparison whatsoever between her and Nate. Nate is an evil character who deliberately hurts people. Rue is a sick person,(apparently based on the creator of the show’s real experiences as an addict), who has serious psychological problems and needs help. She is more of a threat to herself than to others.”

“Dan, get a grip! This wasn’t a personal attack against you. This was a viewer’s opinion about fictional characters on a fictional tv show.”