Being opinionated has received a bad rap. People are stressed by the Internet, and they cite all the wild opinions on social media as a primary cause. A new University of Michigan study on college-aged adults found that the more they used Facebook, the worse they felt. The study, published in the journal PLOS One, declared that Facebook use led to declines in moment-to-moment happiness and overall life satisfaction. And yet, people cannot stop sharing their opinions whenever social media gently beckons, “What’s on your mind?”

Are opinions a bad thing? After all, we don’t mind opinions when they agree with our own. Jonathan Swift wrote: “That was excellently observed, said I, when I read a passage in an author, where his opinion agrees with mine. When we differ, there I pronounce him to be mistaken.”

We’ve all become opinionated in this easy-share world. We blast those opinions across space and time on social media and review sites.

Here are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t feel guilty about giving the world a piece of your mind.

1. Don’t think of it as an opinion. Think of it as “insight.”

We go to the web for information. Who do you think provides that information? People like you and me. Our opinions are a collection of not only our own experiences, but the shared experiences of others as well. Our intentions are usually good. We want to inform, advise, help and protect. Our insight makes the Internet more meaningful.

2. Opinions shake things up and spark innovation.

Unpopular opinions may not win any prizes, but they help to shake things up. People want to “think outside the box” and become “thought leaders,” but this only happens when you give the box a good kick. Be disruptive and difficult. Innovation happens when you give unpopular ideas a second chance.

3. Your opinions can’t be as crazy as some people on the Internet.

There are so many varieties of crazy on the Internet. I promise you won’t get anywhere near the craziest. If you are worried that your ideas are too “out there,” don’t worry. Somewhere on the Internet, there’s a guy teaching his cat to play Beethoven.

4. We admire opinionated people.

Movies, TV shows, and novels are filled with opinionated, obstinate heroes — people who are stubborn in the face of adversity. We have to smile and admire the tenacity. There’s something inspiring about them. We like the hero who cuts through the mess to solve a problem. Opinionated people are passionate. They have goals. Their ego drives their greatness. If you show a little ego, don’t worry. You might be on the path to something great.

5. If everyone around you is wrong, speak up.

Sometimes, everyone is wrong. People have a tendency to fall into “group think” patterns. One dumb idea can steer everyone in the wrong direction. It may take a little courage, but if you’re willing to point out the error, you could be helping others.

6. You don’t have to agree with someone to be his or her friend.

We like to be liked. We think that by swallowing our opinions we can avoid anyone finding fault in us. In truth, friends don’t always see eye to eye. Look at former U.S. Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. These two were lifelong friends. And yet ideologically, they couldn’t be more different. They practically invented dirty politics when they ran against each other in 1800. Even after the vicious campaign, they remained pen pals and close friends.

Stand on your soapbox, and tell it like it is. Show a little attitude. Share your opinions. Review, comment and critique. It’s okay with us.