Why I Avoid Voicing My Opinion Online

I have a lot of opinions.

I have opinions on politics, news, food, religion and pretty much everything.

That's because I'm human and humans form opinions - whether they like it or not.

We are complex characters and sometimes this can cause conflicts of interest.

Not everyone agrees with the way that you think, the way that you view things or even if the taste of liquorice is nice or not (it's not). 

That's because we're all different.

Here's why I avoid voicing my opinions online and for that matter, offline aswell.

I generally avoid conflict when and where I can. It's a slice of effort that I don't want in my day if I can avoid it. I am a sensitive person at heart - despite what my exterior, 'bite me' daily expression portrays. I have always had strong opinions and some I choose to voice (calmly) and others I don't. I understand that everyone is entitled to their own opinion but I don't like it when opinions turn into a battle.

Online there are many things that are controversial. That's partly why the platform is so successful. There's always something to grab someone's interest. There are discussion forums that are questionable, news articles that spark outrage and opinion pieces that get people raging and ready for an online dispute. Personally, I'd rather watch 'Gilmore Girls' and move on. There are a few things that I have learnt after being on the Internet for quite some time;

1. Keyboard warriors 

I personally experienced this myself. Once upon a time, I tagged my sister in an article about the TV show 13 Reasons Why. The article was about how people had copied the storyline of the suicide and used it as a method for their own suicide. I commented that it was a reason why I didn't personally agree with the show entirely. My comment was a simple tag and a small comment for my sister to see. However, I quickly learnt that I should have private messaged her the link rather than publicly tagging her in it. Because, what came next was a comment from a guy that thought I was a muggle and questioned my opinion aggresively.

My reaction?
I deleted my comment. 

 Firstly, butt out and secondly - let me be. His response to my comment was posted within a matter of seconds after I published it. I felt like he was sat at his laptop waiting for someone to say something in agreement with the article and pounce.

Cool, enjoy your day - goodnight.

I don't want to immerse this post into an opinion piece on the show 13 Reasons Why. I thought the show was great but it also effected people around me that suffered with mental health in a negative way. It was a triggering show whilst also being an eye-opener and having its positives. It was marmite. It was a great book and a great TV show but maybe not everyone should've watched it on such an accessible platform. I mean, I hope that comment there won't spark outrage. I'm Switzerland, people! (Not really...but let me rest.)

I just don't want a sparring match with you. I am great at debates but I will never get into one online. There are trolls, nasty words thrown around and people that are far too willing to send you hate mail or worse.

2. You can never win 

Everyone secretly likes a little bit of Drama - as long as they're not involved. However, you get the odd balls that LOVE Drama and they love causing it. I personally have seen a lot of comments on Facebook and online turning into blazing arguments between multiple opponents. They are people that have generally never met. Two people arguing online usually turns into a whole army of oppositions that get involved. I must admit, I sometimes find it hilarious to scroll through. Some people just want a healthy debate and a little chit chat but there are others whose opinions must be agreed with (in their opinion at least). I think what these people don't realise is - you cannot win. There is absolutely no way that there can be harmony with everyone's opinions. You'd think that human nature would let some peace ride on this earth but sadly not.

3. It's time consuming 

WHO HAS THE TIME TO FACEBOOK BATTLE?!
I have laundry to do!

4. Do I even know what I'm talking about? 

A lot of the time we can form opinions and not be educated or knowledgable enough on the subject to backup our opinion in detail. The people who are sparring online will often have a plethora of knowledge on the subject they are rumbling about. Sure, they could be Googling it but sometimes Google can lie. Wiki 'ain't that reliable people! If I ever talk about something, I want to get the right end of the stick. I especially avoid politics for this reason. I could wake up tomorrow and be behind on the politics of my country.

5. Can we just be friends? 

I am quite a chilled person. I do not care for a dispute with someone. People can get dramatic. There are all sorts of 'reporting' and 'blocking' incidences and that's negative energy! I would rather cuddle my dogs and have better vibes in my life.

♡

That being said, I am not a complete mouse. I will in some cases express my opinion gently and in person. I am opinionated. I say it how it is but I am also aware that the cookie crumbles differently for everyone.

Please no hate comments - that would be ironic...thank you very much.