I see a lot of bickering (in which I have sadly participated) as arising from an inept/inappropriate application of Tit-For-Tat. Three examples:
- Someone tries to make a joke, but it is not perceived as such, and it provokes a Tit-for-Tat response, which then escalates. Solution? Use smileys or something to indicate you are joking.
- Someone posits some nonsense, and it is called out as such, but without any tact. The return volley is also without tact, and the game is on.
- Someone asks a question, but as they engage with the responses it is clear they did not really have a question but actually wanted some support for their position/opinion. They do not respond well to those who disagree, and the game is on.