Question from Readers:
Does online opinion truly reflect public sentiment? When I look at comments on news articles or results on sites like Sukidoki.com, it feels like they represent all of public opinion, but what is the reality? I have the impression that online comments and surveys only capture the views of specific groups, while the voices of the general public
are not well represented. Especially in the comments section of news articles, it seems that those who gather there are primarily interested in particular topics, leading to a lack of rational opinions. Additionally, sites like Sukidoki.com tend to evoke emotional reactions, leaving no room for neutral perspectives. Furthermore, when someone says, “Look at everyone’s comments,” I think that without evidence, it’s merely an individual’s opinion. If we are told to see reality, we should base our understanding on more objective data and facts. Ultimately, blindly accepting online opinions and thinking “the majority must be right” may lead us to turn away from the truth. It could be that those who believe skewed information from the internet constitutes public opinion are the ones not facing reality.
Thoughts on the Relationship Between Online Opinion and Public Sentiment
Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot about how much online opinions reflect public sentiment. Especially when looking at comments on news articles or results from sites like Sukidoki.com, it often feels like that represents all of public opinion. But what is the actual situation?
Parade of Biased Opinions
I once discussed this topic with a colleague while working part-time at a judicial scrivener office. He said, “Online opinions are merely emotional reactions from specific groups.” Indeed, I get the impression that the comments section of news articles is filled with more emotional responses than rational ones. Sometimes, I find myself surprised by the extreme opinions I come across in those comments. I wonder what makes everyone so angry. In fact, I sometimes write my own opinions online, and based on others’ reactions, I think, “If there’s so much response, maybe my opinion isn’t wrong.” However, upon reflecting calmly, I realize that this might just be a small sample of biased opinions. Since people interested in specific topics gather there, neutral opinions are likely scarce.
The Importance of Objective Data
We often tend to listen too closely to nearby opinions. Especially when someone says, “Look at everyone’s comments,” we can easily convince ourselves that those opinions must be correct. However, without evidence, they are merely individual opinions. Through my work as a judicial scrivener, I have come to strongly appreciate the importance of objective data based on the law. The law should be judged on facts, not emotions. While working part-time, I sometimes engage in casual discussions asking, “What do you think about this?” but I still feel that emotional opinions dominate. Sometimes, I find myself laughing at particularly amusing opinions. However, accepting them outright is dangerous. What we know is not the entirety of reality and could lead us to turn a blind eye.
What Are Your Thoughts?
In the end, I’ve realized that blindly trusting online opinions is risky. It’s crucial to avoid being swayed by biased information and to maintain a more objective perspective. How do you feel about online opinions? I would love for you to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. No matter how small, I’d be happy if you feel comfortable sharing!
