Opinions With No Evidence

Ever notice supporters of the religious right are full of opinions, but very shallow on the evidence?

Why is that? Why are they so quick to say ‘Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,’ yet fail to realize that no one is entitled to their own facts?

In today's world, opinions are everywhere. With the rise of social media and the ease of sharing information, people are more inclined to express their views and beliefs publicly. However, a disturbing trend has emerged – people seem to have difficulty supporting their opinions with credible sources.

It's not uncommon to see debates or arguments online or in person where people state their opinions as facts without any supporting evidence. For example, someone might say that vaccinations are harmful, that climate change isn't real, or that a particular political candidate is corrupt, but when asked to provide sources or evidence to back up their claim, they are unable to do so.

This phenomenon is not just limited to individuals. Even politicians, news outlets, and other reputable sources are often guilty of making statements without providing evidence or sources to support their claims. In some cases, these statements can have serious consequences, such as influencing public opinion, shaping policy decisions, or even inciting violence.

So, why do people struggle to support their opinions with sources? There are several possible reasons:

Lack of critical thinking skills: Many people don't know how to evaluate sources and distinguish between credible and unreliable information. As a result, they may rely on their own biases and opinions rather than seeking out evidence to support their claims.

Confirmation bias: People tend to seek out information that confirms their existing beliefs and opinions, rather than considering alternative perspectives. This can lead to a self-reinforcing cycle where people only consume information that supports their opinions and dismiss anything that contradicts them.

Overconfidence: Some people are simply overconfident in their own knowledge and abilities, and believe that their opinions are inherently correct. They may not feel the need to support their views with evidence because they believe that they are self-evident.

Laziness: Finally, some people may be simply too lazy or disinterested to seek out sources and evidence to support their opinions. It's much easier to make a statement and move on than to do the research necessary to back it up.

Regardless of the reason, the inability to support opinions with credible sources is a serious problem. Without evidence, opinions are just that – subjective beliefs that may or may not have any basis in reality. In a world where information is increasingly important, it's essential that people learn how to evaluate sources and provide evidence to support their claims.

One way to address this issue is to focus on education. Schools can teach critical thinking skills and media literacy, helping students to evaluate sources and think critically about the information they consume. This could help to reduce the impact of confirmation bias and help people to seek out diverse perspectives and evidence to support their opinions.

Another approach is to encourage people to engage in respectful dialogue and debate, rather than simply stating their opinions as facts. By engaging in constructive discussion and being open to alternative perspectives, people may be more inclined to seek out evidence and sources to support their views.

In conclusion, the inability to support opinions with credible sources is a serious problem that can have far-reaching consequences. It's essential that people learn to evaluate sources, think critically, and provide evidence to support their claims. By doing so, we can create a more informed, responsible, and engaged society.

Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Argentina and winner of the Revi 2021 Reader Award. You can find him at any of hundreds of sidewalk cafes and hire him through Fiverr, join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter or contact him at [email protected]