To What Extent Does Individual Opinion Matter?

[ChandlerFan]

This question is inspired by past thoughts I've had, but it is most recently inspired by a Facebook status I saw yesterday. To give some brief background, I am originally from Wisconsin and am a huge Green Bay Packers fan as many from Wisconsin are. This means that before, during, and after Packers football games, my Facebook newsfeed is blowing up with statuses posted either by Packer fan friends or by friends who cheer for rival teams and hate the Packers.

Anyways, being that yesterday's game had big implications for the playoffs and involved a lot of drama, there were likely a lot more Facebook statuses floating around out there regarding the game. One particular Facebook friend, however, had had enough and posted that Facebook is not ESPN and that she wonders if people really look to Facebook for sports updates because she "sure as he[ck]" (like that edit? ) doesn't.

Now, to offer full disclosure, because I disagreed with what she said, my first reaction was to try to discredit her in my mind. I thought, Sounds like a disgruntled Bears fan to me... but wasn't sure that was really it. I also thought, Sounds like a typical girl to me... but realized how sexist that is and wouldn't allow myself to conclude that either.

In the end, though, my mind went back to a thought that I've had before. It seems to me like in this social media age where most people have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or discussion forum accounts, as well as the ability to comment in whatever comments sections they please, people are under the impression that their opinion a) is important, b) is needed, c) matters, and d) is correct/superior. To me, this breeds a lot of narcissism and pride. In the case of this friend of mine, she seemed to be under the impression that to everyone who is tempted to post statuses about sports in the future, they were going to consider her opinion and care about it to the extent that they would then decide not to post their status when in reality, I quite frankly could care less lol, and I imagine that's true for most other people as well.

With that said, what are your thoughts? Is every individual's opinion important? Is every individual's opinion needed? Does every individual's opinion matter? To what extent are they or are they not important or needed?

 

[ChandlerFan]

P.S. Can we all acknowledge that it's kind of funny that I'm asking for everyone's opinion on this topic? I guess, to an extent at least, I do care about others' opinions, but mostly about the opinions of those here for whom I have a great deal of respect.

 

[JustAnotherUser]

You're right that we're free to express opinion through social media and are able to do it with little to no consequences. It gives the freedom that one wouldn't seem to have if you were to meet up with them face to face.

Whining about what you have control to view or not in the first place is more like the lack of maturity on their part. Yes, there's things that tend to get annoying, but to complain when it would either be taken lightly or give needless drama isn't going to decrease what you don't like seeing to appear less. If anything, discuss politics and then there will be something worth complaining/arguing about. Not a pointless status directing at other pointless statuses.

 

[Utah]

Everyone's entitled to my opinion!

 

[Utah]

Hey Chandlerfan, no worries. Friends bang heads sometimes. What's important is to remain respectful and put things in perspective. Its called grace and wisdom.

And between you and me, I bleed Black-n-Gold! Pittsburgh, Baby!

See you in the Super Bowl

 

[ChandlerFan]

Hey Chandlerfan, no worries. Friends bang heads sometimes. What's important is to remain respectful and put things in perspective. Its called grace and wisdom.

And between you and me, I bleed Black-n-Gold! Pittsburgh, Baby!

See you in the Super Bowl

Yeah, and I wasn't significantly bothered by the status that I mentioned, it was just that status that brought up the question again in my mind that I put as the thread title.

By the way, I would love a Super Bowl repeat of a few years ago

 

[JesusLives]

I think it is o.k. for everyone to have an opinion, it is how we react to it that makes the difference. Just because someone has an opinion different than yours doesn't make them any more right or wrong than you are these are after all only opinions. We as humans seem to have a lot of them....

 

[Utah]

I think it is o.k. for everyone to have an opinion, it is how we react to it that makes the difference. Just because someone has an opinion different than yours doesn't make them any more right or wrong than you are these are after all only opinions. We as humans seem to have a lot of them....

Well said, my Sister.

 

[MissCris]

An individual's opinion matters so long as it remains front and center on the newsfeed.

Really. It's like everybody now has a free, easily accessible platform from which to sound off about any subject they choose and have it paid attention to for a few minutes or a few hours before it gets lost among the opinions of other individuals sounding off about whatever subjects they choose. It's 15 minutes of fame on a smaller scale.

I like reading other people's opinions. Sometimes I even agree with them, which makes it far more enjoyable to be subjected to opinions of people who, in the grand scheme of things, don't really matter. Or is it their opinions that don't matter? If their opinions don't matter, do they matter as human beings? If nobody clicks "like" on my status update, do I still exist? I Facebook, therefore I am...

Sorry, I just derailed my own train. On topic-
It's nice to be able to share/read/express opinions, but how "important" that opinion is...I guess it depends on the readers and how much importance a group of people Gives to any individual's opinion. An opinion voiced to an empty room doesn't matter at all. An opinion voiced to a group of people who encourage the individual to express more opinions...that one would seem to matter.

 

[Shouryu]

I think that social networking sites are less about opinion and more about voice. The reality is that opinion is, in the long run, meaningless. Facts and truth have true value. In my opinion, bacon is manna from heaven, and should be in every meal, but the facts are that bacon is high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and in no way should be in every one of my meals if I expect to live longer than my familial predecessors.

So if most opinions are really worthless, why do so many people feel the need to share their thoughts and opinions publicly and openly? Because it isn't about opinion, it's about expression. As social creatures, we have an inherent desire to be HEARD and validated based upon our thoughts and ideas. All we want is someone to listen to us, even if we have nothing worthwhile to say, because if someone is listening to us, then we might believe that someone cares about us.

Social media is the equivalent of being in a crowded room and yelling your posts (while everyone else is doing the same thing at the same time). You're kind of communicating with everyone and no one at the same time, and the only way you know if anyone is really listening is if someone likes/comments/shares your little outburst. That's become our modern currency for self worth; we agonize over why this post or that photo didn't get very many likes, or when someone's comment on our status gets more likes than the status. When we get those little tidbits of validation, it really isn't a matter of, "people really like what I have to say," as it is more of a case of, "someone is actually paying attention to what I have to say."

It's the same reason that some people only seems to be able to function as trolls or haters on social media: unpopular opinions, incendiary comments, flamebait, and rude behavior invite attention (and, therefore, a form of validation) that they would otherwise not receive.

Nobody really wants anyone else's opinion. After all, we already have our own. All we really want is a voice, and audience...we want to know that someone, ANYONE cares.

(written from a dentist's chair, because every room is a waiting room when Netflix is broken #firstworldproblems #don'thate #dallascowboys4lyfe)

 

[thecreationtutor]

This question is inspired by past thoughts I've had, but it is most recently inspired by a Facebook status I saw yesterday. To give some brief background, I am originally from Wisconsin and am a huge Green Bay Packers fan as many from Wisconsin are. This means that before, during, and after Packers football games, my Facebook newsfeed is blowing up with statuses posted either by Packer fan friends or by friends who cheer for rival teams and hate the Packers.

Anyways, being that yesterday's game had big implications for the playoffs and involved a lot of drama, there were likely a lot more Facebook statuses floating around out there regarding the game. One particular Facebook friend, however, had had enough and posted that Facebook is not ESPN and that she wonders if people really look to Facebook for sports updates because she "sure as he[ck]" (like that edit? ) doesn't.

Now, to offer full disclosure, because I disagreed with what she said, my first reaction was to try to discredit her in my mind. I thought, Sounds like a disgruntled Bears fan to me... but wasn't sure that was really it. I also thought, Sounds like a typical girl to me... but realized how sexist that is and wouldn't allow myself to conclude that either.

In the end, though, my mind went back to a thought that I've had before. It seems to me like in this social media age where most people have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or discussion forum accounts, as well as the ability to comment in whatever comments sections they please, people are under the impression that their opinion a) is important, b) is needed, c) matters, and d) is correct/superior. To me, this breeds a lot of narcissism and pride. In the case of this friend of mine, she seemed to be under the impression that to everyone who is tempted to post statuses about sports in the future, they were going to consider her opinion and care about it to the extent that they would then decide not to post their status when in reality, I quite frankly could care less lol, and I imagine that's true for most other people as well.

With that said, what are your thoughts? Is every individual's opinion important? Is every individual's opinion needed? Does every individual's opinion matter? To what extent are they or are they not important or needed?

I guess we need to ask how do we treat our lofty opinions? As the only opinion? as the Best opinion always...

 

[Mo0448]

That is why I got rid of my facebook...i've been two years facebook free and I am so glad I went through with it...First off (while this isn't everyone) a majority of people on facebook are just looking for affirmation on their decisions...how often did I see "I'm done taking crap from you I am worth more than that" posts to which had several "likes" & encouraging "you go girl" messages...I did notice that I would have similar thoughts are you did sir, this is a very self centered day and age, I solved the problem by getting rid of facebook I can't change people...I can only change how I look at them, and I'm just choosing not to look at them if that makes sense

 

[ChandlerFan]

I think that social networking sites are less about opinion and more about voice. The reality is that opinion is, in the long run, meaningless. Facts and truth have true value. In my opinion, bacon is manna from heaven, and should be in every meal, but the facts are that bacon is high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and in no way should be in every one of my meals if I expect to live longer than my familial predecessors.

So if most opinions are really worthless, why do so many people feel the need to share their thoughts and opinions publicly and openly? Because it isn't about opinion, it's about expression. As social creatures, we have an inherent desire to be HEARD and validated based upon our thoughts and ideas. All we want is someone to listen to us, even if we have nothing worthwhile to say, because if someone is listening to us, then we might believe that someone cares about us.

Social media is the equivalent of being in a crowded room and yelling your posts (while everyone else is doing the same thing at the same time). You're kind of communicating with everyone and no one at the same time, and the only way you know if anyone is really listening is if someone likes/comments/shares your little outburst. That's become our modern currency for self worth; we agonize over why this post or that photo didn't get very many likes, or when someone's comment on our status gets more likes than the status. When we get those little tidbits of validation, it really isn't a matter of, "people really like what I have to say," as it is more of a case of, "someone is actually paying attention to what I have to say."

It's the same reason that some people only seems to be able to function as trolls or haters on social media: unpopular opinions, incendiary comments, flamebait, and rude behavior invite attention (and, therefore, a form of validation) that they would otherwise not receive.

Nobody really wants anyone else's opinion. After all, we already have our own. All we really want is a voice, and audience...we want to know that someone, ANYONE cares.

(written from a dentist's chair, because every room is a waiting room when Netflix is broken #firstworldproblems #don'thate #dallascowboys4lyfe)

It's early, but your post might win the thread. Really great points.

Also, we may be at odds in a couple of weeks! #gopackgo

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

To give some brief background, I am originally from Wisconsin and am a huge Green Bay Packers fan...

Stop the thread RIGHT THERE!

P.S. Can we all acknowledge that it's kind of funny that I'm asking for everyone's opinion on this topic?

Yes, haha. Asking for people's opinions on whether people's opinions are valuable and valid or not; this thread is awfully roundabout.

I think you did well to reassess your thoughts before villainizing the girl on Facebook. The problem anymore seems to have less to do with forming and voicing an opinion, and more to do with outright virulence. Opinions born of and expressed in anger, prejudice, hate, and so on are what really burn my flapjacks. We can peaceably disagree without being disagreeable.

 

[violakat]

Chandler, put yourself in her shoes. Are there things that maybe you get tired of seeing posted over and over again, such as game feeds, challenges, political comments, etc...? If so, imagine that is all you see or hear about all day, either in the office, twitter, FB, or other social sites. How do you think you would feel if were in a similar situation?

 

[secularhermit]

It matter because it´s aprt of our witnessing, our experiences lived and lessons learned but, these also could be misled, ill-biased and DESPISED... What´s the truth then?

Jesus said: "I´m the truth" (In John) and He is also and INDIVIDUAL who had GOD witnessing on His behalf, not only by those deeds following by works, but also with things like these:

The transfiguration where God spoke saying: "...listen to Him"

The voice that was heard like a thunder, and Jesus acknowledged in public saying something like: "It was God´s voice..." (Jn 12:30) or this: "Jua 11:42 I know that you always hear me. But I said these things because of the people here around me. I want them to believe that you sent me." " Where He needed GOD to back up His witnessing AS INDIVIDUAL.

 

[secularhermit]

P.S. Can we all acknowledge that it's kind of funny that I'm asking for everyone's opinion on this topic? I guess, to an extent at least, I do care about others' opinions, but mostly about the opinions of those here for whom I have a great deal of respect.

i HOPE THE MORE POSTS you get -on here- may serve to see your own thoughts needed to be availed and helped, as an individual.

 

[Lynx]

P.S. Can we all acknowledge that it's kind of funny that I'm asking for everyone's opinion on this topic? I guess, to an extent at least, I do care about others' opinions, but mostly about the opinions of those here for whom I have a great deal of respect.

Actually when I read the first post I was thinking, "So he's asking our opinion... about whether opinions matter?" and my brain rang up "No sale."

There are many opinions on this forum. Some are shouted at you if you venture into the BD forum, but some are rather rudely shoved in your face even if you stay in the relative safety of the Singles Forum. It matters not. I treat them the same way I would treat opinions in real life. If I don't know the person I take what the person said at face value, evaluate whether it fits what I perceive as reality and either ignore it or modify my actions accordingly. Some opinions from unknown people have some good advice - others don't. If I know the person I evaluate the opinion in context with what I know of that person. I would pay more attention to an opinion from some people I know here than from others. (I'm not giving a list so don't ask...)

And Shouryu, about that bacon... here's the true cost of stove ownership.

Though maybe it's just a phase, like my freshman year when I realized I could just buy frosting in a can...

 

[Donkeyfish07]

I'm with Shour. Opinions are important. Not because they matter in and of themselves, but because they are just an important part of self expression. Opinions are weird things philosophically. Sometimes they are right, sometimes they are wrong, and sometimes they are neither right nor wrong.

When an opinion masquerades as fact but is false in actuality, that's really where it becomes an issue because your dealing with a version of reality that is not really reality. The scary thing about that is, everyone is guilty of doing that at some point. Even now, every single one of us have at least one opinion that we think is factual but actually isn't.

Now riddle me this batman, is that part in bold an opinion or a fact?

 

[ardchoille]

I think it is o.k. for everyone to have an opinion, it is how we react to it that makes the difference. Just because someone has an opinion different than yours doesn't make them any more right or wrong than you are these are after all only opinions. We as humans seem to have a lot of them....

(emphasis mine)

You've hit on what I feel is a major point here - reaction. I feel that everyone will benefit when someone first thinks about the repercussions of a reaction that is a knee-jerk emotional response.