[zamadatix]

Times when someone doesn't have a realistic option to not be there are generally not great times to force conversation about anything controversial. Work, family get togethers, educational setting (unless it's covering such a topic) are examples.

Your lunch break out of the building, social time with friends, or other personal time occasions are great times to talk about whatever you like. Even get togethers or local debates if different opinions are what you're really itching to get exposed to.

And yes these are rules of thumb. There are certainly occasions it's both good and accepted to discuss it outside the above rules but they are just that - occasions. The article is referring to people who treat other people being stuck in the same room as them as prime opportunity to start discussing their opinions about last night's news daily.