I don't do it because it's pleasant. In fact, it's often really stressful. I do it because I think it's crucial, in the same sense that I think any sort of political or social engagement is crucial.

As far as the risk of people hating me, I try really hard to always be respectful of people I debate with. I think for that reason, I've been able to keep friendships with people I regularly have some pretty intense disagreements with.