Unpopular Opinions: Do They Incite Drama or Inspire Dialogue?

By: Aaliyah Michael, Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

From fashion critiques to hot takes, social media is a hotspot for clashing and controversial perspectives. No matter how innocuous the subject matter may seem, it’s liable to spark an array of different reactions from social media users. 

Many of these discussions are out of touch with reality, especially when the intensity of the reactions is disproportionate to the subject of the conversation. For instance, when someone posts, “pineapple on pizza is disgusting,” you’ll often see a flood of comments challenging the statement. 

In some cases, however, the sharing of diverse perspectives can inspire meaningful debate. People who use social media come from all walks of life; each person’s opinion is influenced by their unique experiences, background, and knowledge of the subject. It’s important to keep this in mind when encountering opinions you don’t agree with online.

Why Are Unpopular Opinions “Popular”?

Challenging the Status Quo

Unpopular opinions get people talking. It takes bravery for someone to publicly express an opinion that challenges the norm. Additionally, those who share that unpopular opinion may feel relieved that they aren’t alone.

While unpopular opinions are neither inherently “good” nor “bad,” the disagreements they spark can get out of hand. Just as with real-life conversations, social media users have a responsibility to be mindful of their words when interacting with others online. As long as the opinion isn’t harmful or dangerous, users should have room to discuss and occasionally make jokes, if appropriate, about the subject of debate. (We’ll discuss what constitutes a “harmful” opinion later on.)

Need For Control

People who vehemently defend or challenge unpopular opinions often feel the need to prove a point. While some people debate for the intellectual challenge it presents, others argue for the sake of being “right” and changing someone’s mind. This desire for control isn’t healthy. Seth Meyers, Psy.D., from Psychology Today writes, “While you may tell yourself that being in control makes you feel better, the truth is that needing too much control often results in feeling frustrated and distressed, and those feelings aren’t regularly good for your mental health.” 

Unhealthy Unpopular Opinions 

At times, unpopular opinions target a person’s physical appearance, fashion sense, living situation, or career. Personal comments like these can easily stir up drama and online hate, especially if the opinion is critical or negative.

Some social media users make prejudiced and intentionally offensive remarks — under the guise of sharing an “unpopular opinion” — in order to spark reactions. In these cases, it’s important not to add fuel to the fire. Even comments that disagree with or disapprove of the post still benefit the creator by boosting engagement. If you come across harmful content like this, remember: report and don’t engage! 

Drama Versus Digital Literacy

According to Anna Akbari, Ph.D., “having a point of view is a good thing, even when that view isn’t universally embraced. We can passionately agree on one issue (like the value of not having pet hair in your sheets) while fundamentally disagreeing on another.” 

While unpopular opinions aren’t necessarily “bad,” it’s important not to engage with posts that are created for the sake of generating controversy. These posts should be recognized as harmful and reported to the social media platform.

Digital literacy is an important skill that will prepare you for the harmful “unpopular opinions” you come across. Digital4Good’s Social Media Literacy Curriculum empowers students to be tech-savvy and tech smart. Foster digital awareness, critical thinking, and ethical engagement with our comprehensive, research-based curriculum!