What type of fallacy is being used when one responds to criticism by pointing out flaws in the critic's character?

The type of fallacy being used when one responds to criticism by pointing out flaws in the critic's character is known as Ad Hominem. This fallacy occurs when the argument attacks the person making the claim rather than addressing the substance of the claim itself. By focusing on the critic's character or personal circumstances, the individual is avoiding the actual issues being discussed.

This tactic is misleading because it shifts the focus from the arguments at hand to the character of the critic, which does not provide any relevant evidence or reasoning about the original argument. The Ad Hominem fallacy undermines rational discourse by diverting attention to personal attributes instead of engaging with the merits of the criticism itself. Such a response can be damaging as it can influence an audience's perception of the validity of the criticism without addressing its actual content.