Think Before You Post: Personal, Public & Expert Opinions in the Social Media Era

During my stint as a Visiting Faculty Member at SNDT Women’s University, Juhu, Mumbai, I taught Master’s Program students the nuances of journalistic writing.

One session that sparked deep discussion was about opinions—a topic more relevant today than ever before.

As I explained the different types of opinions to my students, I realised how the digital age has blurred these once-clear lines—whether personal, public, or expert—making them now clouded and confusing owing to the internet and the rise of social media influencers.

The Three Types of Opinions

The words ‘personal’, ‘public’ and ‘expert’ opinions are often used loosely, but these help us to be mindful of what we’re publishing online.

1. Personal Opinion – If it’s personal, keep it private.

Personal Opinion is deeply individual. These are your beliefs, preferences, and values. Topics like religion, politics, or lifestyle choices often fall under this category.

Advice: Keep it private. Social media isn’t always the best place to share what’s personal, especially if it may trigger conflict or hurt sentiments.

2. Public Opinion – A double-edged sword.

Public Opinion is shaped by a collective—think trends, surveys, or audience polls. A great example is the “Audience Poll” on Kaun Banega Crorepati. It’s considered neutral because it exists in a controlled environment designed for problem-solving. The participant asks for an audience poll and goes by the maximum response to lock their answer. Here, the participant knows that an objective question is being asked to a controlled number of respondents at a particular time and space.

Advice: Public Opinion, while being a powerful tool for social change, can run the risk of fueling and following a herd mentality. How to steer clear of public opinion?

First, cross-check facts, verify sources (what is the origin of this post and why), and consider the impact of sharing that post. Is it adding value or creating chaos? Public Opinion can be a boon for bringing about social or environmental change, but if it hurts sentiments or creates disharmony, it is best to avoid it.

3. Expert Opinion – Comes with responsibility.

If you are a specialist, subject matter expert (SME), analyst, or practitioner with a minimum of 5 to 10+ years of experience, you are in a position to share insights grounded in research, data, or lived experience and practice.

Advice: Share responsibly. Provide citations, context, and clarity to support your claims. Let your expertise add value, not noise. Be ready to be accountable.

Why This Distinction Matters

Modern media—especially some Indian news channels—have contributed to the erosion of ethical boundaries in journalism. As TRPs chase sensationalism, influencers mimic the pattern, often disguising personal rants as public service announcements. This trend is dangerous.

We’re seeing Indian social media influencers use their platforms recklessly under the guise of “free speech,” often without accountability. But here’s the thing: freedom of speech comes with responsibility.

The Psychology of Influence: Why It’s Risky

Studies show that exposure to emotionally charged content on social media can alter opinions and behaviour, especially when shared by perceived authority figures or peers (celebrities, influencers et al). Hence, responsible content creation is an absolute must.

The Social Media Trap: Influence vs. Manipulation

Social media has blurred ethical boundaries, making it intrusive and manipulative. Some platforms may run the risk of being misused to push personal opinions under the guise of free speech, forgetting that freedom comes with responsibility.

We live in a country that grants us incredible freedom. However, that freedom comes with the responsibility to be thoughtful citizens—both online and offline.

The next time you’re tempted to post something on impulse, take a moment. Ask yourself: Is this helpful? Is it true? Is it necessary? Your voice matters. Use it wisely.

3-Point Checklist for Posting on Social Media

Before publishing or posting anything on social media, please run this 3-Point Checklist for the greater good.

🔹 Fact Check Before You Share – Is it personal, public, or expert Opinion?

🔹Avoid Herd Mentality – Will this post harm or help society?

🔹Post/ Share Mindfully – Negative content breeds negativity.

Remember, not all social media content is bad; it’s just that we’ve been conditioned to be drawn to negativity and sensationalism as negative news sells. We’re constantly bombarded with negative news/ information, what we call an ‘echo chamber’.

3-Point Checklist for Posting on Social Media Consumers

Only we, as consumers of content, can break that chain if we’re mindful.

How do we do that? Use the 3-Point Check List as a consumer of social media content:

• Is it adding value to my life and learning? Yes/ No
• Does it make me feel empowered or disturbed? Yes/ No
• Is the person/ influencer sharing this post an expert in this field? Yes/ No
• For ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ answers introspect with ‘how’ & ‘why’. The answers must align peacefully without causing internal conflict within you and those close to you.

This 3-Point Checklist for Content Consumers may not be foolproof, but you get the drift. While content creators must be responsible, so too must their social media consumers. Don’t fuel it and feed on it, and negativity and fake news won’t spread.

If you’re eager to learn about ethical content creation, consider enrolling for The Write Compass‘ 6-Month Certificate Writing Course, where I have combined ethical and fact-based writing techniques with the use of ethical AI.

I mentor senior students (preferably from Grade 9 onward) and professionals with practical writing frameworks, ethical storytelling, and hands-on guidance.

My writing mentorship program will help you:

• Identify and refine your voice
• Write content that uplifts, not divides
• Develop responsible social media habits
• Use AI ethically without compromising originality

Never underestimate the power of your written and spoken words – use it wisely to create harmony.

References:

• The Indian news media industry: Structural trends and journalistic implications
• Ethics and News Making in the Changing Indian Mediascape
• Ethical use of new technologies: where do Indian journalists stand?
• Social media laws and free speech in India: A Legal Analysis
• COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCER GUIDELINES CONCERNING FREE SPEECH AND LIABILITY IN INDIA, THE UK, AND THE USA
• Emotions and Digital Well-Being: on Social Media’s Emotional Affordances
• Social Media Influencer: An Underdeveloped Concept in India
• Freedom of Speech and Expression in India: A Critical Analysis of its Scope and Limitations in Social and Electronic Media
• Teens, screens and mental health
• SOCIAL MEDIA TRIALS IN INDIA: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS OF LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND SOCIETAL IMPACT
• Censorship in the Digital Age: Challenges Under Indian Media Laws
• BLURRED LINES IN SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCING:  EXPLORING THE CONSEQUENCES OF USING
• PERSONHOOD AS A PLATFORM
• Ethical Dilemmas in Indian Media: A Reflection on Notable Breaches
• India’s Legal and Ethical Battle Against Digital Misinformation
• What is an echo chamber?
• Why social media users like sharing negative news
• Why Bad News Has Such an Impact
• The Data Behind Your Doom Scroll: How Negative News Takes Over Your Feed