Flatposting
A goalpost‑moving tactic that demands the target “prove” they are not like Flat Earthers. The perpetrator sets impossible standards of proof—often requiring the target to address absurd hypotheticals or to disavow views they never held. When the target refuses to engage with the ridiculous framing, the flatposter declares that their silence proves the comparison is apt. Flatposting is a way to force opponents into defending against nonsense, wasting their energy while appearing to have made a substantive point.
Example: “He demanded she explain why her theory wasn’t like believing the Earth is flat. When she ignored the troll, he posted ‘see, she can’t defend her ideas.’ Flatposting: forcing your opponent to argue against a straw man.”
Flatposting by Abzugal April 1, 2026
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