Has a GN discussion/thread ever swayed your opinion?

I can't recall any posts which have changed my mind, but they help an understanding of points of view different from my own.

In response to Monica; 'Very rarely shifts my opinion. Too many posts from people with entrenched and bigoted views'. Don't they mean the same thing?^
No they do not; opinions are often carefully considered before being pronounced.

I suppose it acts as a reminder that other people who are perfectly fine and lovely have different opinions to you and we should always be mindful of that. I think it's also important to listen to people who post here who may have far more experience of the subject matter than you do and they should be listened to. All this requires being incredibly open and I suppose as it's so public we will all be more guarded than in real life anyway

I don't think my opinion has ever been swayed by anything I've read here. If anything, it's been confirmed.
However, I've had great advice, suggestions and support from posters on these forums which I greatly appreciate.

Social media can be very intense!

I've learnt from others point of view. My opinions have not changed much, if at all, however reading other views answers many questions.

My point of view is probably influenced by lots of things so I wouldn't say that a GN discussion has made me change my mind. However, I do turn to GN forums to catch up with any of the latest news stories that I might have missed.

M0nica

I am sure i have, if not changed, moderated my opinions on some subjects after reading threads on GN, although none immediately springs to mind.

For me the biggest benefit from GN is the wide variety of people it brings togethe with wider range of backgrounds lives and experiences than I could ever possibly meet in my ordinary life.

I’d second that. I’ve learned so much, particularly on the News and Politics threads, and am grateful for informed views. But I haven’t changed my political views.

Yes GN has swayed my opinion, haven’t been on the site anywhere near as long as some of you but certainly the information/advice given has taken the wind out of my sails when worrying unnecessarily about things, which I do need from time to time as am sure many of us do.
Also the estrangement thread offering support and friendship has really helped me. A big fat thank you to the regulars on there.

M0nica

Grantanow

Very rarely shifts my opinion. Too many posts from people with entrenched and bigoted views.

Don't the first and second sentences of your post mean much the same thing?

I thought that too when I read it! 🤣

No, never actually changed my opinion, but it has been interesting to hear other views, some more interesting and valuable as others.

I can’t think of anything that has changed my mind, but often makes me re think and do further research.
Very occasionally an outburst makes me rethink my opinion of a poster, as limited as it is from just this site.

There are many posters on GN who are very knowledgeable and I value their opinions. Others whose empathy is much needed at times.

I've been on GN for many years now and don't remember if I've ever changed my opinion but I'm always open to discussion and welcome the views of others even if I don't agree.

I can't remember actually changing my opinion on anything but I do think I've moderated my viewpoint on some topics. It's always interesting to see things from someone else's point of view and maybe become aware of something you hadn't thought of previously. So many different perspectives on this site which can be interesting.

Swayed my thoughts is probably a good way of putting it.
As a simple example, I reel my exuberant dog in closer when passing more elderly walkers who might be unsure on their feet, because a few GNs have spoken of their fear or even mishaps.
I was wrong not to have considered this before.

In the bigger picture my views on politics and life are most likely influenced by my experiences and upbringing, so likewise if any GNetter writes from personal experience I tend to listen and maybe question myself more.
Anyone quoting incessantly from newspapers or twitter X does not influence me because often they aren't considering the bigger picture.

I'd hope I'd be open to changing my opinion after reading reasoned arguments that gave alternative viewpoints. GrannyGravy13 I'll join you in having my opinion on the return of Shamima Begum changed by the thoughtful posts of others on GN.
At the very least other viewpoints can give food for thought, even when they don't engender a change of opinion.

It's good to read other people's views, even if they don't change mine. I don't think I've ever been persuaded to change over completely to the opposite "side" but I have encountered food for thought several times on GN. I think hearing all sides is the only way to form a balanced opinion. We may still disagree (we may even disagree totally) but "keep your friends close", etc....

Learnt many things, seen things from a different point of view, but will never change my political views though

Ricky Gervais quote:

Opinions don't affect facts. But facts should affect opinions, if you are sane and rational.

No . But had lots of helpful advice from members of GN and made friends here . Hopefully something's I ramble on about have helped others .

Grantanow

Very rarely shifts my opinion. Too many posts from people with entrenched and bigoted views.

Spot on

My opinions waver on a great number of subjects and they can change quite easily but some are set in stone.

I greatly respect how intelligent and well informed most GNs are but I don't necessarily agree with their opinions.

I will never be persuaded to see Trump and Musk as anything other than evil by anybody.

I'm grateful that some posters link to articles I'd have missed otherwise. I do try to read them all so this has certainly put different thoughts into my head.
Have I "changed opinion" - probably not - but often it has made me more aware of complexities hadn't thought of. This might not change my "opinion" but will have contributed ti my understanding.

Whiff

No . But had lots of helpful advice from members of GN and made friends here . Hopefully something's I ramble on about have helped others .

Your rambles have definitely helped others Whiff.
🌺

Very rarely shifts my opinion.

That sound very entrenched.

Is bigoted only if you disagree

Claremont

Ricky Gervais quote:

Opinions don't affect facts. But facts should affect opinions, if you are sane and rational.

This. A very good quote.