Opinions, the problem of having too many
We are bombarded with so much information on the internet that, at some point, it numbs us into inaction. We carry too many opinions, too much information, on too many topics, and we forget why we’re carrying them in the first place. When are we going to use it, and what are we going to use it for?
Politics is the number one rage bait on social media. You can say anything you want, in any way you possibly can, and you’ll find someone enraged by it. A mob of offended people will storm into your comment section, trying to prove you’re wrong. Some will present counter opinions. Some will call you names. But, in the end, none of it makes your life better. It only drains your time without giving anything in return. The fleeting satisfaction of "owning" someone in a debate feels better than it actually is. When you start chasing that feeling, know you're on the wrong track.
As a result, you lose your sense of purpose online. You scroll endlessly, forgetting why you started in the first place. Consume all the content you like, but ask yourself: Does this have any meaningful impact on my life? Does the opinion I just expressed or reacted to serve any real purpose?
Here’s a simple exercise I follow when consuming content—and the only social media I use is Twitter/X; everything else is garbage to me. When I find myself reading a long post, I ask if I would save any nuggets in my notes. I’m an active note-taker, so this shifts my mental gears. If I wouldn’t bother saving anything, then it’s unimportant. A wasted opportunity.
I don’t care about an opinion that doesn’t teach me something, make me laugh, or offer a fresh perspective. As an Indian, why would I obsessively read about Elon Musk's DOGE or someone's dollar-saving strategy? Even if I were American, it would still become pointless after a while.
Learn to consume content with intention. If you find something interesting, save it in your notes and tag it with a headline. If you encounter a perspective that challenges your beliefs, jot it down with a short summary. If you find information that could sharpen your skills, put it in a dedicated note to revisit later.
It's not about hoarding notes; it's about collecting useful insights from the endless internet that can help you improve your game. You are what you consume. If you aren't mindful of what you're feeding your mind, you won't even realize why you hold certain opinions.
The internet is a double-edged sword: a source of both entertainment and knowledge. But your opinions should be your own. Absorbing too many external voices can erode your ability to form original thoughts. Any knowledge or opinion that doesn't improve your life isn't worth your time. Cut it out mercilessly.
In the end, the goal isn't to win arguments online or stay updated on every fleeting trend. The goal is to use the internet as a tool for growth, learning, and occasional entertainment—not as a mental landfill for opinions you'll never use.