If we were not on an anonymous website, we would probably not start the conversation with “I disagree.”.

Most probably you would start with, “Yes, but...” or “I agree, but ...” or “That's true to some extent, but in addition to that ...”.

I've been in plenty of conversations where someone has said literally "I disagree" to an idea or opinion being forwarded. It's not done rudely and it seems perfectly normal to say you disagree with something someone said as long as you have the consideration to explain why and be open to them responding to your opinion. I would find it more weaselly, disingenuous, or even offensive if someone didn't agree with something but pretended they did and then began underhandedly attacking the position.

99% of social interactions are like that though. The straight-talker take no bullshit straight to the point type belongs more to a B-movie.

You can do it in class when you have been given a chance to reply to a direct question. It's less often that people know what they want to say straight off, there is a time and a place for it though.

>If we were not on an anonymous website, we would probably not start the conversation with “I disagree.”.

This reminds me of an Abraham Lincoln story (I think I read it in How to Win Friends and Influence People)...anyway Lincoln used to pen anonymous writings attacking people, and in one instance he was found out and challenged to a duel. The men squared off with long swords but called a truce prior to the start...Lincoln never penned a negative thing about a person again.

I guess the pen was not mightier than the sword in this case.

It’s only mightier when they compete, not in an open confrontation.

Seems kinda like a side topic but honestly I don't think of "I disagree" as that different from any of those other statements.

Not necessarily, and that is the interesting thing about culture. Almost everything is offensive or extremely offensive somewhere in the world. Americans learn this when certain free-speech activities prompt riots in the Middle East.

> If we were not on an anonymous website, we would probably not start the conversation with “I disagree.”.

I do that in in-person conversations all the time. Although I'm probably more blunt than most.

I feel that the readers interpretation of what you say change it more on the net, even if you write those things (and more), it's often the case that people will misread or misrepresent what you say. Especially if the gist of what you say is against somekind of group think e.g. cars pollute, public health care is robbery, fascims is good.

Further I believe you get the "I disagree" on platforms where you know one another.

"I disagree" is actually a very polite and distinguished way to start off a response argument. You don't really see it on sites/forums other than where users have some degree of commonality and mutual respect, sort of like Usenet of old.

Alternatives:

1) Yes, but from the perspective of the user.... (beating about the bush)

2) You are retarded and probably shouldn't breed (we know what forums harbour this communication style)

Gentlewomen and men can disagree and still keep talking gently!

> If we were not on an anonymous website, we would probably not start the conversation with “I disagree.”.

What leads you to think that? This has been a common way to respond in substantive real-world discussions for my entire life, even predating the internet.

"I disagree" is not, after all, some sort of attack or insult.

I start a replies with "I disagree" in person quite a bit. When people routinely use the phrases you listed I assume they are being deceptive or manipulative.

At least for me I feel like it sets an expectation.

I disagree.

Here is why.

Rather than someone just rambling on about something that might be just talking outloud and you miss what they think actually the difference is or that there is one.