A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through social media when I came across a post that seemed completely harmless.
The comments section, however, told a different story. What started as a lighthearted discussion had spiraled into an all-out war.
One person in particular stood out—they were replying to nearly every comment, dissecting every opinion, and firing back with what seemed like endless determination. It was almost impressive… almost.
As I watched the thread unfold, I couldn’t help but wonder what drives someone to spend so much time and energy arguing with strangers online. It’s not just a one-off thing, either. These “keyboard warriors” seem to show up everywhere, ready to battle it out over anything and everything.
So what makes them tick? Why do they feel the need to argue in every comment section they come across?
Let’s dive into the six traits that define these digital debaters. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride through the world of online disagreements.
1) They crave attention and validation
Let’s be honest—arguing in the comment section isn’t always about proving a point.
For many keyboard warriors, it’s about being seen. They thrive on the attention that comes with dozens of replies, likes, and even dislikes.
It doesn’t matter if people agree with them or not; as long as someone is engaging, they feel validated. In a way, it’s their version of a stage, and they’re determined to be the star of the show.
You’ll notice this trait in how they constantly reply to comments, sometimes even hours after the discussion has died down. It’s as if they can’t stand the thought of the spotlight moving on.
The more heated the debate gets, the more energized they seem. For them, attention—whether positive or negative—is the ultimate reward, and the comment section is their playground.
True enough, according to research, those who exhibit ‘trolling’ behaviors online, including arguing for the sake of arguing, showed high levels of narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism.
So next time you encounter a keyboard warrior refusing to back down, remember it might be less about the argument itself and more about their need for validation.
2) They’re overly opinionated
We all have opinions, but keyboard warriors take theirs to another level. They have something to say about everything, no matter how big or small the topic.
From global politics to the correct way to load a dishwasher, they feel compelled to share their perspective—and, of course, prove that they’re right.
This trait often shows up in the way they jump into conversations uninvited. You’ll see them scrolling through threads, searching for a comment to latch onto.
Even when no one asked for their opinion, they’ll swoop in with a long-winded explanation or a fiery rebuttal. It’s like they just can’t help themselves; they have to make their voice heard.
While having strong opinions isn’t inherently bad, their delivery can be. Instead of encouraging thoughtful dialogue, they tend to bulldoze over others, leaving no room for compromise or understanding.
It’s less about the topic at hand and more about asserting their dominance in the conversation.
3) They never admit they’re wrong
I’ll never forget this one keyboard warrior I encountered. It was in a forum about climate change, and this person was vehemently denying its existence.
Even when presented with scientific facts and data, he wouldn’t budge. He brushed off all the credible sources as ‘fake news’. No matter how many people tried to reason with him, his stance remained unshaken.
This is a common trait among keyboard warriors. They have this stubborn refusal to admit when they’re wrong. It’s like they’ve convinced themselves that accepting an error is a sign of weakness.
They dig their heels in, regardless of how absurd their argument may seem to others. They’re more interested in winning the argument than gaining knowledge or understanding different perspectives.
And you know what? You’ll likely give up on the argument before they do because…
4) They thrive on conflict
For keyboard warriors, conflict isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to seek out.
Arguments fuel them, giving them a sense of purpose and excitement. It’s not about solving issues or finding common ground; it’s about the adrenaline rush that comes from a heated debate.
This trait explains why they often jump into discussions they’re not even involved in. They’ll scroll through comment sections, looking for anything they can turn into an argument.
The more controversial or polarizing the topic, the better. To them, conflict isn’t stressful—it’s entertaining.
Unfortunately, this need for conflict can make interacting with them exhausting. While most people argue to resolve something, they argue just to keep the fight going.
These folks will dissect every sentence, scrutinize every word, and always find a new angle to argue from. They’re not interested in resolution or understanding; they’re after the adrenaline rush that comes with a heated exchange.
Just remember, engaging with them often only fuels their fire. Sometimes the best course of action is simply not to play their game.
5) They don’t consider the human behind the screen
When I first started blogging, I was excited to share my thoughts and ideas with the world. But I wasn’t prepared for the harsh criticism that came my way.
One commenter, in particular, seemed to take pleasure in tearing down every post I made. The arguments were never constructive, just cruel and personal attacks. It was as if they didn’t consider that there was another human being on the receiving end of their words.
This is a typical trait of keyboard warriors, owing to what psychologists call the “disinhibition effect“.
Essentially, the anonymity of the internet makes people feel detached from the consequences of their actions.
When they can’t see the person they’re targeting, it becomes easier to dehumanize them. Behind a screen, insults feel weightless, and the empathy that guides face-to-face interactions often fades away.
What’s frustrating is that many of these people wouldn’t dare say such things in person. The barrier of a screen makes them bolder, or perhaps more reckless, with their words. They forget—or choose to ignore—that their comments can have a real emotional impact on someone else.
For those of us on the receiving end, it’s a harsh reminder of how disconnected online spaces can make us.
6) They struggle with emotional regulation
Have you ever noticed how quick keyboard warriors are to lash out? A single comment can send them into a frenzy, leading to a string of overly emotional replies.
This is often because they struggle with managing their emotions, especially when they feel challenged or criticized. This struggle results in maladaptive behavior, like trolling and arguing online, for example.
Instead of taking a moment to think things through, they react impulsively. A difference of opinion feels like a personal attack, and they respond accordingly.
The frustrating part is that their inability to regulate emotions often derails meaningful conversations.
What could have been a healthy debate turns into a shouting match (or, in this case, a typing match). It’s hard to have a productive discussion with someone who lets their emotions drive the conversation.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, keyboard warriors aren’t going anywhere. They’ll always be in the comment sections, ready to argue about anything from politics to pizza toppings.
While their passion (or persistence) can sometimes be entertaining, it’s important to recognize their traits for what they are—a mix of personality quirks, unmet needs, and maybe just a love for the chaos of online debate.
If you ever find yourself face-to-face with one in a comment thread, remember this: not every argument needs a response.
Sometimes, the best way to win an online battle is to walk away. After all, your time and energy are better spent on things that truly matter—outside the glow of a screen.
