Yeah; when I first got heavily involved in online fandom (2000-2001 era) I really got into debating charged topics online, and while I learned a lot about constructing arguments, I don't think I accomplished anything else other than to indulge my own urge to argue -- I seriously doubt if I changed anyone's mind or made the world a better place in any way.

There's a time to speak and a time to be quiet; the trick is learning to distinguish between the two!