When Do Opinions Matter?

All opinions matter, but when should they truly matter?

This thought struck me after seeing a meme on Facebook that said, “Normalize not having an opinion on things you aren’t properly informed on.” I could agree with that to an extent. It made me think about the broader question: when should we have an opinion? For some, the answer might be “all the time.” But for me, the real question is, when should my opinion matter?

It’s 2024, and everyone seems to be an expert on something, whether they are or not. Social media and the ever-present cameras make us feel seen, the likes make us feel heard, and the comments make us feel validated. Some might call me a philosopher, others might see me as a photographer, and still, others might view me as an adviser. It all depends on who “some” may be at that moment.

But let’s get to the heart of the matter: all opinions matter, but when should they really matter? In my opinion, in this day and age, we should practice holding off on sharing our opinions when the timing isn’t right.

“But Brandon, how will I know when it’s an inappropriate time?” you might ask.

It’s a valid question, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. It comes down to context, understanding, and self-awareness. If you’re not fully informed, or if your opinion might cause harm or unnecessary conflict, perhaps it’s worth holding back. Sometimes, the best thing we can do is listen, learn, and then decide if our opinion is necessary or beneficial. 

Here are a few tips:

1. Consider Your Knowledge: Before sharing, ask yourself if you’re well-informed about the topic. If not, it might be best to listen and learn first.
2. Assess the Impact: Think about whether your opinion will add value to the conversation or if it might cause unnecessary conflict or harm.
3. Read the Room: Pay attention to the context and the people involved. Sometimes, silence or a carefully considered response is more powerful than speaking out.
4. Stay Open to Learning: Be open to changing your opinion if new information arises. Flexibility and growth are key to meaningful dialogue.

In a world where everyone has a platform, it’s easy to forget that not every moment requires our voice. Knowing when to speak up and when to stay silent can be as important as the opinion itself. It’s about contributing to a conversation in a meaningful way rather than just adding noise.

Hope this helps,