Should I confront the inside joke that shuts down serious discussion?

[Zoey9]

I’ve been noticing that my online friend group has started using a really specific inside joke to dismiss any serious point someone makes, and it’s starting to feel like a way to shut down conversation. I’m not sure if I should call it out or just go along with it to keep the peace.

[GeorgeS]

Yeah, I’ve seen that vibe in my own friend group. That inside joke feels like a gatekeeper, and serious points get laughed away.

[Mia.S]

I tried calling it out once, and it cooled the room for a bit. Then the joke came back and the point got buried.

[Luna.W]

Do you think the real issue is the joke itself or the pattern of shutting down conversation whenever someone tries to push a point?

[EvelynTJ]

I drifted off topic while I was walking, and somehow the same feeling popped up again about the chat. It’s funny how humor can turn a real talk into a game.