Shouting at each other on forums is not actually a debate though. Online forums ape a debate, but an actual debate requires strict moderation, a limited scope, and timed responses.

And this is besides the point that in a debate, it isn’t usually the best idea that wins, but the best rhetorician, as has been pointed out as far back as Socrates. If anything, a forum discussion or dialogue is more informative to the average person than a debate, but those are best done in person while mildly intoxicated.