Godwin's law facts for kids
Godwin's Law is a funny but true saying about how people talk online. It was created by a man named Mike Godwin in 1990. The law says that if an online discussion goes on for a long time, someone will probably compare another person or an idea to Adolf Hitler or the Nazis.
This means that the longer people chat or argue on the Internet, the more likely it is that someone will bring up Hitler or the Nazis, even if it doesn't really make sense. It's like a running joke or a warning about how heated online talks can get.
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What is Godwin's Law?
Godwin's Law points out a common pattern in online discussions. It suggests that almost every long argument on the internet will eventually lead to someone mentioning Hitler or the Nazis. This usually happens when people are trying to say something is very bad or evil.
Who was Mike Godwin?
Mike Godwin is an American lawyer and author. He created this "law" based on his experiences watching early online discussions. He noticed this pattern happening again and again in places like online forums and chat groups. He wanted to highlight how quickly arguments could get out of hand.
Why do people mention Hitler or Nazis?
People often mention Hitler or the Nazis to make a point about something being extremely bad or unfair. They use it to show strong disapproval or to say that someone's actions are very wrong. However, Godwin's Law suggests that these comparisons are often overused or not really fitting for the situation.
What does it mean for online discussions?
Godwin's Law is often used as a way to end a discussion that has gone too far. When someone brings up Hitler or the Nazis, it can sometimes mean the discussion has reached a point where it's no longer productive. It can also be a reminder to keep online talks fair and reasonable, without using extreme comparisons.
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