Why can no one have an opinion on the internet?

[Ryanrulez5]

It seems everywhere I go if someone tries to voice their opinion some people will immediately hate on them for no reason or their opinion is different. For me recently I began to respect other peoples opinion example I think Gurren Laggan is awesome my friend doesn't like it as much Do I hate him because his opinion is different? NO do I respect his opinion? YES.

Why cant the internet learn to get along and respect each others opinions without turning it into a pointless flame war?. To prove a point here are MY opinions that can easily spark hatred of me

I don't like Final fantasy 7 but the one before that seem interesting
I think Attack on Titan and Sword art online are entertaining
I like using a controller for some PC games

 

[DoPo]

So...do you deny other people their opinions now? I'm confused.

 

[Ryanrulez5]

So...do you deny other people their opinions now? I'm confused.

No What I meant to say is that if you have a different opinion than me then that's ok I may hate something that you like but I'm not going to go crazy and say random stuff like I see all the time in forms and comment sections I just simply say "If that's what you think and I respect your opinion on this" I don't think I am denying someone's opinion if I fully understand why they like/dislike a certain topic.

 

[DoPo]

So...do you deny other people their opinions now? I'm confused.

No What I meant to say is that if you have a different opinion than me then that's ok I may hate something that you like but I'm not going to go crazy and say random stuff like I see all the time in forms and comment sections I just simply say "If that's what you think and I respect your opinion on this" I don't think I am denying someone's opinion if I fully understand why they like/dislike a certain topic.

But you are complaining about...people's opinions. I'm still confused.

 

[Eclipse Dragon]

If the person has a different opinion than yours, we'll use your Final Fantasy 7 opinion for example, there's nothing wrong with them trying to convince you otherwise. It doesn't translate immediately into "hate" if someone disagrees with you and wants to tell you why.

You don't like Final Fantasy 7, I happen to be in the camp that does. If you go back and play Final Fantasy 7 these days, it's going to seem bland and uninteresting and overly angsty, however during that time period, all these things were new. Final Fantasy 7 was the first T rated FF game and the first 3D FF game and that was a big deal. I believe FF7 in particular suffers from a trope called Seinfeld Is Unfunny [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SeinfeldIsUnfunny], but in a video game sense.

Do I hate you for not liking FF7? No and if you still don't want to give it a shot after reading what I've had to say, fine.

People with differing opinions can provide really great conversations. We wouldn't be able to argue the merits of Final Fantasy 7 if you just go and agree with everything I have to say with nothing to add to or enhance my viewpoint.

---
Now when someone goes "You don't like Final Fantasy 7, you must be stupid!" Well yeah, that's "hate" and it's also punishable on these forums.

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Just for fun, in your opinion, does my contrasting opinion of your OP translate into the "hate" in which you're describing?

---
For more fun, I also like Attack on Titan, angst and all...
and sometimes, I even prefer console games over PC games. That's right YOU READ CORRECTLY ESCAPIST. Fight me!

[sub]joking about the fighting part[/sub]
[sub][sub]
[sub]but not about the sometimes preferring console games part muahahaha.[/sub][/sub][/sub]

[sub][sub]Hey Listen! I didn't play Mass Effect 1 or 2, let alone number 3, I skipped that whole trilogy.[/sub][/sub]

 

[know whan purr tick]

YOU ARE WRONG AND PART OF THE PROBLEM, BUDDY. What is your initial reaction to that? Just a test, I don't think that.

I'm just trying to describe some of the aspects that I've perceived and not saying that the following is complete definitive causation or that I understand the phenomenon completely.

The title of this thread illustrates a small part of the problem: hyperbole. "No one" can have an opinion, or express it without being "hated on?" That is an extreme that ties into hyperbole as sensationalism. Extreme attitudes typically garner more attention. Another part is how these behaviors are mimicked.

Keep in mind that everyday there is a new internet user. Immaturity can be contagious with group think. Where these people go and become conditioned to an online environment can shape future behavior. Who they interact with can shape future behavior. The flame wars are largely a product of reactionary dialogue caused by internet personalities that I believe would not act that way in most real life situations. There could be a level of play too, ego games and trolling. Competitions of who has the bigger EPeen and can deskpress more of the internet for the sake of momentary "internet fame."

Another part of this is that there is a tendency to reenforce one's beliefs rather than challenge them. It has to do with being comfortable and not just an ego-driven desire to be right. Again, the patterns of behavior get copied by others and these vicious circles are created and made into a trap for the exchange of ideas.

 

[thanatos388]

I agree with the guy above and also remember a lot of the time criticism against something often becomes criticism of people who do like it. Saying "How can people like this stupid shit?", implies to the reader that people who somehow like it are stupid. If someone just says they couldn't enjoy something they get angry replies less often. People are defensive about the stuff they like.

 

[Jiggle Counter]

You're allowed to have an opinion, you're just not entitled to be applauded for said opinion.

As comedian Pablo Francisco once said, "Where's my friend who agrees with me?"

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Spoiler: This is what I always think of when someone asks that question

It's true. No matter how based on true fact you are, no matter how much proof you can present; there will probably be someone obstinately and often derisively disagreeing with you. It's what they do!

Yes, you can have opinions on the internet. Just know that the vast majority of the replies to said opinion will be 'you're wrong'.

 

[viscomica]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion it's just that people on the internet are used to express them in a very hostile manner.
It happens, you get used to it.

 

[FirstNameLastName]

I agree with you that many people act unnecessarily aggressive during internet discussions, however, the it's just an opinion card does get played rather more often than i would like. Often people will state their opinion, then someone else will disagree with them by stating their opinion, then the first person will rant about how they're entailed to their opinion while completely disregarding the fact that those who disagree are also entitled to their opinion.
It reminds me of the way people seem to yell "we have freedom of speech, so stop speaking against me."

 

[Johnny Impact]

Your question is flawed. EVERYONE has an opinion on the Internet.

It's just that the Internet is a consequence-free way for all manner of jerks and dickholes to shout, in the most inflammatory way their little brains can muster, at anyone who disagrees with them.

Too many people do not know how to argue effectively, i.e. with reason. The other way, typically known as the "whoever shouts loudest is right" method, is, like the Dark Side, quicker, easier, and more seductive. Trouble is, you can't actually shout on the Internet. In the real world you can simply drown out the other guy. That isn't possible here. Instead, people attempt to demoralize and wear down their opponents by presenting a face so stubborn and caustic the other guy stops talking and goes away. The jerk mistakes this for victory and starts doing it all the time.

captcha: "Thank You" because of Veteran's Day. Yes. My grandfather served in the Navy as a mechanic and plane inspector in two wars, and earned the Soldier's Medal (highest award for heroism not involving actual conflict with enemy) for running into a burning plane. Thank you, Pepere.

 

[viscomica]

Your question is flawed. EVERYONE has an opinion on the Internet.

It's just that the Internet is a consequence-free way for all manner of jerks and dickholes to shout, in the most inflammatory way their little brains can muster, at anyone who disagrees with them.

Too many people do not know how to argue effectively, i.e. with reason. The other way, typically known as the "whoever shouts loudest is right" method, is, like the Dark Side, quicker, easier, and more seductive. Trouble is, you can't actually shout on the Internet. In the real world you can simply drown out the other guy. That isn't possible here. Instead, people attempt to demoralize and wear down their opponents by presenting a face so stubborn and caustic the other guy stops talking and goes away. The jerk mistakes this for victory and starts doing it all the time.

captcha: "Thank You" because of Veteran's Day. Yes. My grandfather served in the Navy as a mechanic and plane inspector in two wars, and earned the Soldier's Medal (highest award for heroism not involving actual conflict with enemy) for running into a burning plane. Thank you, Pepere.

Are you French? (I thought you were because of the "Pepere" thing)
Sorry to deviate from the original topic but yeah, very interesting story about your grandfather. Sounds like an awesome person.

 

[Riot3000]

Yeah you can have an opinion. Everyone can have and opinion but know that posting it leaves you open for some agreeing or disagreeing and you can defend it or deflate the discussion with some tact and civility.

 

[Johnny Impact]

Are you French? (I thought you were because of the "Pepere" thing)
Sorry to deviate from the original topic but yeah, very interesting story about your grandfather. Sounds like an awesome person.

French background on my mother's side, lots of Dubes, Poliquins, Gauvins. My father is half Finnish, half "British Isles cocktail." Of course, what we really were for at least the last two generations was American, but Americans say dumb shit like "you kiddin' me, I'm Italian, I'd drink you under the table" as if they weren't raised in Brooklyn. I had a Memere and Pepere on one side and a Grammy and Grampa on the other. I did not grow up speaking French but I studied it enough in school to be able to say j'ai etudie la Francais pour quatre ans a l'ecole mais j'ai oublie tout. (Yes, I'm aware that's probably terrible grammar and the accents are missing, too lazy to learn how to do them)

 

[Canadamus Prime]

Because they are immediately confronted by other people with opinions and a lack of immediate consequences for being an asshole. Contrary to popular belief it has nothing to do with anonymity, it's a lack of immediate consequences.

 

[viscomica]

Are you French? (I thought you were because of the "Pepere" thing)
Sorry to deviate from the original topic but yeah, very interesting story about your grandfather. Sounds like an awesome person.

French background on my mother's side, lots of Dubes, Poliquins, Gauvins. My father is half Finnish, half "British Isles cocktail." Of course, what we really were for at least the last two generations was American, but Americans say dumb shit like "you kiddin' me, I'm Italian, I'd drink you under the table" as if they weren't raised in Brooklyn. I had a Memere and Pepere on one side and a Grammy and Grampa on the other. I did not grow up speaking French but I studied it enough in school to be able to say j'ai etudie la Francais pour quatre ans a l'ecole mais j'ai oublie tout. (Yes, I'm aware that's probably terrible grammar and the accents are missing, too lazy to learn how to do them)

Cool! Well, except for the accents it's not bad grammar. Maybe instead of "pour" I would have said "pendant" but it's correct.

 

[Something Amyss]

I don't like Final fantasy 7 but the one before that seem interesting

I enjoyed FFVII, but think Cloud and company are awful characters.

I like using a controller for some PC games

I would rather use a controller for most of the types of games I play. I have not one, but two 360 controllers plugged in right now.

And you see, these are opinions I hold without the entirety of the internet jumping down my throat. Even if they're controversial (Especially the one where I both praise and criticise FFVII).

More to the point, so what if people disagree? And even if they flame you, they're not depriving you of your opinion. Granted, someone saying "fuck off" isn't as helpful as "I disagree. Controllers may have their uses, but the precision of a mouse is superior in most regards." But still, you have your opinion. And they have theirs. Even if it's "your[footnote]intentional spelling[/footnote] an idiot."

But seriously, these threads read to me like "right to not be offended" stuff. And maybe that's not your intent. And maybe that's my problem. But even if it wasn't my problem, you know the great thing here? You're free to make the thread, even if it displeases me. I can argue or ignore it, but I can't stop you.

 

[Super Cyborg]

YOU ARE WRONG AND PART OF THE PROBLEM, BUDDY. What is your initial reaction to that? Just a test, I don't think that.

Why thank you for pointing that out to me. I tend to be ignorant on many things so am wrong all the time. I shall try to become better in the future. Good day sir *tips hat*

As for the actual topic, Seems like people can have opinions, it just seems that if you aren't careful with your wording, or just post intentionally to make people get intention, you will be called out or told that you are being extreme (had a run in with this about a week or so after joining here). If you are polite and not snapping at people who might be questioning your reason, then it's not a problem.

Now politics, that's where you aren't allowed to have opinions. You are either for or against the party. Me, I hate the whole system. (This is directed at the US system and only the US politicians).

 

[know whan purr tick]

YOU ARE WRONG AND PART OF THE PROBLEM, BUDDY. What is your initial reaction to that? Just a test, I don't think that.

Why thank you for pointing that out to me. I tend to be ignorant on many things so am wrong all the time. I shall try to become better in the future. Good day sir *tips hat*
*snip*

That is a telling reaction. sarcasm/snark, overused internet meme

Why not say what you mean? Would that not be a more effective way to communicate?