New Study Finds 90% of Online Debates End in Someone Calling the Other Person a Nazi
- Al Beback
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
By Al Beback, Senior Internet Historian
HOUSTON — A groundbreaking new study from the Institute of Digital Discourse has confirmed what many social media users have long suspected: approximately 90% of all online debates eventually result in one party calling the other a Nazi, regardless of the original topic.
“We analyzed millions of online discussions, ranging from political arguments to whether pineapple belongs on pizza, and the pattern was disturbingly consistent,” said Dr. Karen McCanceled, lead researcher. “At some point, someone—usually after running out of actual arguments—just throws out ‘Nazi’ like a digital Uno reverse card.”
The Inevitable Descent into Madness
Researchers found that most debates follow a predictable timeline:
1. Initial disagreement – Two users express opposing views on a topic (e.g., best fast-food chain, electric vs. gas cars, is cereal a soup).
2. Meme Warfare – Participants begin posting memes instead of actual points, often featuring SpongeBob, Ben Shapiro, or a crying Wojak.
3. Grammar Policing – Someone corrects the other person’s spelling, signaling the conversation is nearing collapse.
4. Caps Lock Activation – Logical discourse is abandoned in favor of SHOUTING.
5. The N-Word (Not That One) – Finally, someone calls the other a Nazi.
“In one case, a disagreement over whether Houston has the best BBQ escalated into accusations of fascist tendencies within 14 comments,” Dr. McCanceled noted. “It would be impressive if it weren’t so deeply depressing.”
Where Do We Go From Here?
Experts say the rise in ‘Nazi-fication’ of online debates has led to exhaustion among internet users, with many now preferring to argue in real life, where at least someone can get punched for being insufferable.
Meanwhile, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Reddit are considering implementing AI-powered warning messages that pop up when a conversation is approaching the “Nazi threshold.” The system, called Auto-Godwin, would gently remind users that comparing someone’s opinion on movie remakes to World War II atrocities might be a bit much.
Despite these efforts, social media experts believe the trend is irreversible. “Until people learn to argue without invoking 20th-century dictators, we’re doomed to repeat this cycle forever,” Dr. McCanceled concluded.
At press time, a Twitter debate over the best Buc-ee’s snack had somehow led to accusations of authoritarianism, proving once again that the internet is a lawless wasteland.