THE SUBTLE ART OF SHARING OUR OPINION ONLINE

You’re probably aware of what’s happening in the Middle East right now. Since October 7, 2023, we’ve been exposed to a colossal amount of graphic violence, racist comments, and a disturbing undercurrent of constant hatred online. And, like most of us, you probably have your own thoughts and beliefs on the situation. Dying to share your slant with the world? Hold that thought for a moment.

Although we’re all free to hold our own opinions on what’s happening, our point of view is never entirely objective. We should be aware that our unique experiences, values, and beliefs often influence our understanding and perception of other people’s thoughts. So how we express our perspectives and the groundwork we lay before taking a stance can largely shape how our opinions are received.

“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” — Anaïs Nin

So, how can we best share our thoughts online to ensure our perspective is heard, understood, and respected?

I recommend you read Sari Azout's latest newsletter, which offers a wise framework for sharing on the internet. Here's some key takeaways and my interpretations:

1. “Do the work required to have an opinion”

We should explore and critically evaluate perspectives that may not align with our own. Let’s break from the algorithm and delve into the pages of long history books. Let’s expand our perspective by reading the news from non-Western media outlets and meeting people from different cultures. Let’s sift through data, statistics, historical facts, and expert insights. While fake news and misinformation inundate the Internet, it also has a wealth of free resources we can learn from to gain a comprehensive understanding of a subject matter.

Once we’ve put in the effort to research and understand a topic thoroughly, we’ll be well-equipped to spot inconsistencies and critically evaluate the information presented by individuals on social media and the news. And when we give our opinion while showing we’re aware of the nuances and complexity of a subject matter, people will be far more likely to listen and trust our words.

Imagine a scenario where two colleagues are discussing the Israel-Palestine crisis. In this conversation, they each present their perspective without mentioning crucial historical context or omitting essential facts. They decontextualise events, which immediately raises questions about their credibility. Why deliberately omit context if it’s not to manipulate opinions or reinforce bias?

This situation becomes especially concerning when the audience is ill-informed about a topic. Unaware of the background of the crisis, people may be inclined to accept the speakers’ words at face value, assuming that they’re providing a complete and accurate portrayal of the situation.

Deconstructing well-established facts to support a viewpoint is a manipulation and mass persuasion technique used for centuries by political leaders — don’t partake in it, and learn to recognise it. This video gives essential pointers for spotting fake news and misinformation online.

Current events highlight the importance of doing in-depth research before forming an opinion and deciding whether you should align with one. We should continually seek to deepen our knowledge rather than oversimplify complex issues to support our point of view.

2. “Cultivate intellectual humility”

Acknowledge that you don't know everything. And that there's always space to learn.

Intellectual humility involves recognising that the world is complex and multifaceted, and our understanding of it is limited. No matter how well-informed we are in a particular field, there will always be more to learn and discover. By being open to what we don't know, we can welcome new insights and perspectives.

Intellectual humility also encourages us to approach conversations and debates with an open mind. It means being willing to listen to others, even when their viewpoints differ from our own. This open-mindedness promotes respectful dialogue, enriches our thinking, and helps build bridges between people with differing opinions.

3. “Be kind, even if you think you're right”

We may genuinely believe that our viewpoint is the right one, and in our zeal to defend it, we can lose sight of the humanity of those who hold opposing views. What seems right to one person may not align with another's life journey, and that's where kindness plays a crucial role.

I've witnessed this a lot on social media: individuals express their opinions passionately, yet their words lack compassion. The consequence is often a wave of backlash and criticism. When we choose to be kind, even though we firmly believe in our idea, our words are more warmly received, as we convey a willingness to engage in a respectful dialogue rather than asserting dominance over our audience.

Kindness opens the door to meaningful conversations, where we can learn from each other and find common ground. It doesn't mean we must drop our convictions, but rather, we should approach disagreements with respect, active listening, and a willingness to see the world from another person's perspective.

In essence, these principles for expressing your thoughts online are instrumental in ensuring your voice is heard and your perspective is respected. But they don’t guarantee universal acceptance or embrace of your viewpoint, as acceptance ultimately depends on shared value and belief systems. 

Respect and acceptance are two different things

We don't need to─and we probably can't─accept an opposing viewpoint when it fundamentally clashes with our values and what we perceive as right or wrong. And what we see as "wrong" may be considered the correct path for someone else. Which adds to the immense complexity of having constructive dialogues in the current climate.

Imagine a heated debate between two individuals about the ethics of animal testing. One person firmly believes it's necessary for scientific progress and medical advancements, while the other opposes it, citing animal cruelty concerns.

In this scenario, both individuals hold deeply ingrained values that shape their beliefs. The proponent of animal testing sees it as a means to save human lives and considers it the right path to scientific progress. On the other hand, the opponent views it as morally wrong.

These conflicting viewpoints fundamentally clash because they’re rooted in opposing values ─ one prioritises human welfare, while the other emphasises animal welfare. It's challenging for either party to accept the opposing viewpoint, as doing so would require them to compromise their core values and what they perceive as right and wrong.  

To know whether you can morally accept something, switching the situation to see it from another perspective can help. To do so, tell yourself, what if someone did this to me? How would I feel? Would I accept it?
 

Navigating a divided world

It appears we're seeing two sides dividing the planet. Each claims they're standing with humanity, “on the right side of history.” I, too, am confident that I stand on the right side, just as firmly as the person on the other edge of the ideological wall.

How can we foster understanding and encourage cooperation between these divergent viewpoints in the collective pursuit of a brighter future for humanity?

I fear bridging that gap is becoming increasingly more complex. And I can only rest in the conviction that I’m standing on the side of justice, ethics, and peace.




This was first published in the winter edition of Roamer’s Digest. Sign up to my newsletter to get the next issue straight to your inbox.

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