What is exemplified when someone argues against a simplified version of an opponent's argument?

The situation described reflects the concept of attacking a straw man. This strategy involves misrepresenting an opponent's argument by simplifying or distorting it, making it easier to refute. Instead of addressing the opponent's actual position, the individual engages with a weaker version of that argument. This technique can create the illusion of having successfully argued against the opponent, even though the initial argument has not been adequately addressed.

In this context, attacking a straw man is a common tactic in debates and discussions where one party seeks to undermine the other without directly confronting the core issues. This allows the debater employing this tactic to sidestep the complexity and nuances of the actual argument, thereby skewing the conversation in their favor.