To think that MN threads can change your mind?

[Whatthebarnacles]

We all have opinions. Great! We're human! Be passionate about a view, sure! But closed-minded / tunnel-visioned people irritate me.

AIBU to think that any MN'ers have read a thread, posted their opinion, then find their minds or opinions alter (even slightly) when they read some of the others responses?

I am always open to other viewpoints and find MN quite enlightening at times, particularly reading about other's experiences of a similar vein within the main discussion.

So...

YABU - I post my opinion and anything else anyone says won't typically change my mind because I'm 100% committed, regardless of context.

YANBU - I have, or would, be open minded in changing my usually strong opinion if a scenario proves that actually, maybe I should in certain contexts.

I've definitely changed my mind on things and often find people coming in with a perspective I would never have even considered.

I've also totally changed how I behave with my dog whilst out after seeing how strongly people feel about dogs on here. She's very well trained and will ignore other people when out and before I'd only call her to heel for children, bikes and dogs on lead but now I always call her to heel when passing anyone as I know lots of people are scared/ uncomfortable for all sorts of reasons.

Yes, often been persuaded to see something differently on here. Sometimes someone will bring a perspective or experience that simply hadn't been on my radar.

I suspect you'll find peoples response to topics depend on how closely tied to their identity and sense of self it is. We're generally very stubborn with ideas intrinsic to our self identity and far more willing to be pursuaded on matters that don't collide with this,

It depends very much on the topic. I have a specific core belief in which I differ very much from a lot of mumsnetters, and no amount of discussion is ever going to change my mind on that particular issue, so I just don't engage. However, I am more flexible in other areas and certainly have considered other points of view, even if my opinion ultimately hasn't changed (I am both very opinionated and very intelligent, so I often have considered and discarded counter-arguments to whatever position I am taking)

@ShenleyWillow 100% agree with this, which is why I think it's important (at least to me) to hear of others experiences and reasoning. Exactly as @DodoTime has described, along with @CesareBorgia.
Thanks for comments. It's heartwarming to read!

I am rather rigid, and black and white in my thinking. I tend to comment on a thread and discuss further, rather than just plop my opinion there and never go back.
However, I have rethought some things since being on MN, especially after reading about people's lived experiences on some topics.

Fair points entirely! I do love a healthy debate; taking on board different viewpoints and weighing up whether to accept or dismiss.

Yes, I frequently read something and think, that's a good point, I never thought of that. I sometimes tell the poster, but once got a really snotty response back telling me that Yes, they were right they were glad I'd seen sense, and I should have thought about that before posting my rubbish. Which kind of put me off acknowledging it.

@5128gap noooo, really? People like that are of the "HA, told you so" breed. Smug gits! Sorry you experienced that.

YANBU - I think one of the best things about MN is that you come across viewpoints that are quite different to the ones you hear IRL (because your friends/colleagues are likely to have a fairly similar background to your own). And yes, sometimes I change my mind after reading something here.

I find 70% of MN posters batshit and definitely would not be swayed by them but I have changed my view on surrogacy (from generally pro to generally against) as a direct result of reading MN threads so it can happen!

I've had my views changed on several subjects on here over the years, although never something I feel strongly about.

I think seeing what people from so many different walks of life experience can only be a good thing.

I think that depends.

There are certainly areas of this site where the discussion is noticeably more informed than elsewhere. I've absorbed and learned a great deal from reading contributions by some very knowledgeable women on those boards.

There are others with words of real wisdom, and advice I'd certainly consider taking in various circumstances. There are calm and peaceful corners of the site inhabited by some truly wise women, which never fail to be healing and informative.

There are some issues on which I'm immovable. I'll react if I see someone giving what I consider dangerous advice, and will be very tenacious in questioning this. Another concern is the constant infiltration of the site by MRAs (and some women who support them): the sort who constantly tell any woman disinclined to put up with abuse that she is a 'man-hater', and that she should consider his feelings at all times over and above her own. To hell with that noise. I'll challenge it robustly wherever I see it - particularly in cases of sexual abuse - and I'm not about to change my position on this. Ever.

I've changed my views about a few things and I definitely ave more understanding on other peoples views even if they are different to mine.

I changed my mind on a thread the other day. I posted that I'd changed my mind.

If anything MN has generally reinforced my thinking that most people are completely and utterly batshit crazy.

I know what you mean. I would also add that anyone who thinks that misandry isn't real should really read a few threads on here.

As in life, I'm always open to having my mind changed. There are some exceptions, on issues I'll never change my mind about.
Sometimes I'll make a snap judgement on something, then will change my mind or at least lessen my conviction about something being a black and white issue, if good opposing points are made.
It's rare to see somebody on here change their mind, even in the face of such strong facts/points. That's frustrating, but it also happens in life and on social media. I find it really admirable when somebody says "That's a good point. I hadn't considered that" or even "I didn't/don't know"

I definitely have changed my mind on some things and seen the other side of a few issues

mostly i have learnt that i really should be careful how i post because i know i have been guilty of not explaining properly and angering or upsetting a few people which would never be my intention

I wouldn't say that I had had my mind changed particularly, but I have learned a lot about things and situations where previously I had very little knowledge.

Yes me too shiny

well said

I'm fairly sure noone ever changed their mind because of something on the Internet, it's all a big echo chamber of individuals seeking validation for their own bias.

I learnt my DD (then myself then FH and DS) were likely autistic from here.

I looked for advice about parenting - literally all I knew was that I didn't want to hit my kids like I was, and found out about gentle parenting. And home education. And a ton of health things. And enthusiastic consent - I knew about consent, obviously, but no more than that. It's not discussed in my circles!

I've changed my mind about all of these things.