Some people are simply assholes... despite an implied level of higher education. People were having a helpful informative discussion about some pandemic issues.
Then there always has to be someone, usually several, that want to be all ignorant simply to stir up controversy.
They must have a miserable life ( at least I hope so), since they always seek to negatively influence others. Actually insulting in most cases, at the least antagonizing.
No other word quiet conveys their behavior... Assholes!