Daily writing prompt

What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.

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I have no problem saying “I don’t know,” “Yes,” “No,” “Fine,” or “That’s none of your business.”

Questions are often regarded with suspicion in online conversations. “Sealioning” it’s called. The origin is a cartoon by David Malki in which a couple having a private conversation is accosted by a sea lion who follows them into their house and peppers them with questions even after they’ve retired for the night.

Ever since, the word “sealioning” has been used to derail any internet conversation a participant feels isn’t going well. It’s invoked in response to uncomfortable questions like, “Which historians back up your statement about the Weimar Republic ending in 1928?” or “What peer-reviewed study proves this bizarre claim of yours about vaccines causing Walter Keane syndrome in children?” or “Can you cite the direct quote in which (fill in public figure here) called for the murder of all vegetarians?”

“SEALIONING!” the other person shouts, which typically guarantees nothing on topic or sensible will be added to the thread.