It really depends on the subject.

If it's programming/hardware in general then there's not much debate.

But when it comes to discussing "buzz words" or other hot topic items (cryptocurrency or AI/ML Models) then there will be a lot more debates.

I do specialty work in electrical engineering systems, and I am meticulous and careful about what I say, because it appears that at a certain level in this field no one will question anything you say, because no one understands what you’re talking about.

In your case, I'm guessing lots of people have heard the horror stories of shitty, scammy repair techs in various fields (automobiles being one prominent example). The good ones have to deal with the occupational reputation driven by the worst of them.

For me, I don't consider myself a real expert in any specific subject, but I'm adjacent to a number of financial areas. I try not to delve into the weeds of those internet discussions too often (like I said, not an ironclad expert), and even when I do, it's only to address the most egregious errors. Money can be an emotional topic, and many of those opinions are based on the way people want the world to be rather than the way it is, so show up with facts and references and they tend to understand.

Ha. The VIP that I work for doesn't have time for me to tell them how to solve their technical issues. So, no, not currently. But in the past it was different.

Imagine what working in aerospace feels like with the Boeing shit.

Not an expert on shit, but... My rule of thumb is to not believe anything, from anyone, in a social media context. Anyone can say they're whatever; I can't verify if that is the truth though. And I also cannot verify if those who verify others are trustworthy. The only way you can prove you are who you say you are is to doxx yourself.

Yes, all the time online. I stopped engaging with them several years ago. They're so sure of their expertise, while missing decades of knowledge. It's not worth my time.

I struggle to make my mum take my advice about subjects of my field of expertise for which I had spent 5 cruel years at Uni. So I am at peace now not being able to make my point across the internet.

People in my own office don't listen to me, why would anyone on the street?

Im no expert but after 15 years in mail and parcel logistics I know shit. Ive been told Im "too close to the issue" to be objective. I even posted links to business services for a major international carrier to back up what I said and apparently any evidence I provide is "Biased"

So the only people you can turn to for factual answers are people with no fucking idea apparently.