Hahaha. That is not just the internet. It is practically every argument that you can think of in our age. Your point about figuring out what exactly is being argued is so pertinent in discussions of all levels.

From the playground to politics, as an informed listener or at least someone with some critical thinking, you find yourself wondering a lot, what the hell are they talking about. The argument starts on education, then drifts to crime, to gender relations, to money, then on to God alone knows where. Most times, the funny thing is, they never finished the education topic.

Worst yet is the opponent who uses ad hominems , strawmans, generalizations and the like for the arguments. Ultimately, all this person does is argue a whole other point while in the process "seemingly" winning the argument.