As it becomes easier to share opinions globally, it can be difficult to remember that they may not be as valuable as we think.
Since the beginning of human existence, religious leaders, philosophers, and spiritualists have curated different mantras on the same theme, “Just because you can speak doesn’t mean you have to.”
As conscious beings, we are entitled to have independent thoughts and personal preferences.
Under the U.S. Constitution, we can express those beliefs so long as they don’t harm ourselves or others.
Specific categories of speech deemed fraudulent, defamatory or threatening are not protected under the First Amendment.
This means as long as an opinion doesn’t meet these characteristics, or incite violence, you’re free to speak your mind.
However, the beauty of the human mind is in its exclusivity. What occurs in our inner thoughts is only externalized should we allow it.
The power of choice is helpful when a belief is not fully fleshed out or sufficient information is unavailable to come to a competent conclusion.
Similar concepts, usually surrounding the value of silence instead of saying something negative, are traditionally taught in early education.
Unfortunately, despite witty phrases like “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say something at all,” as social media grows, its becoming increasingly evident many adults have not yet mastered the lesson of thinking more than speaking.
A glaring example of this would be people’s tendency to express an opinion on a topic that has nothing to do with them, such as another person’s physical appearance, hobbies or identity.
Common offenders justify remarks on another’s weight or preferred dress sense in the name of honesty, despite these details having zero impact on the commenter or the commenter’s loved ones.
However, cruelty with honest intentions is still cruelty. Ignorance justified by having the right to an opinion is still ignorance.
While indifference can be dangerous to one’s character, carelessly revealing a bias or preference on issues without having the authority to do so can damage a reputation.
It can also affect an argument’s legitimacy. An unfounded opinion can seem like an attack. It can make others defensive and less receptive to criticism or different perspectives.
Sometimes, people express their opinions as a form of sensationalism. The attention they receive from sharing a take that few agree with or find offensive feeds an egotistical belief that they’re superior or freethinking.
A trick circulating social media to determine whether a viewpoint is worth expressing comes from influencers working in education.
Teachers recommend their students refrain from making comments or criticisms that can’t be addressed in five seconds or less.
For example, someone’s weight can’t be changed within that timeframe, but a makeup smudge or piece of lint can.
It’s less about suppressing beliefs and more about implementing internal checks and balances that separate a progressive stance from unsolicited commentary.
