FAQ - Opinion Jam

What is Opinion Jam?: A platform that matches you with people you disagree with, for 1-on-1 respectful conversations so you can disagree and still understand each other.
Seriously?: Yes. It's an experiment. I know people love being right. I know people are not interested in hearing other people's opinions. I know the Internet favors loud opinions to a big audience. I know humans are naturally drawn to their echo chambers. I also know that many people genuinely want to understand other people's views, and it can be difficult to do in a public setting. So there is no audience. No likes. No goal to change minds. Only goal is to understand.
Do I need to download anything?: No. All in the browser. No downloads required. You will only need to give permission to access your camera and microphone during the conversation.
How do I get started?: Create an account, find a topic you have an opinion on, indicate your opinion, indicate your time zone and times that you are available to talk on (so Opinion Jam can find someone who is available at the same time). A list of times will appear - click on one that works for you and you will be matched with someone who has a different opinion. Show up on time!
Does it have to be over video?: No. You can also have a conversation over audio. It will be a video call, but you can choose to turn off cameras.
How do conversations work?: Two people join a call. You and Jimmy. You said you Kittens are better. Jimmy said puppies are better. One randomly goes first to express their position. Then the other person explains their position. Then free discussion, optional. Then you submit your understanding of Jimmy's position. Jimmy does the same for you. Then you rate how well Jimmy understood your position. Jimmy rates how well you understood his position. That's your understanding score.
Am I being rated?: Yes. After each conversation, Jimmy will rate you on Clarity (how clearly you expressed your position), Good Faith (how respectful and cooperative you were), and Understanding (how well you understood Jimmy's position). You will rate Jimmy on the same three categories. The higher your score is, the better you are at talking with people you disagree with.
Is Opinion Jam free?: Yes. I don't really think its very monetizeable. It's an experiment I made in my free time, I hope people find it useful.
Who can use Opinion Jam?: Anybody age 18 or older. Nobody wants to be matched with a minor for a video chat. So minors are not allowed.
Are conversations recorded?: We may keep recordings for a limited period (e.g. up to 30 days) for safety and enforcement. They’re encrypted and used only for that. I'm not sold on this. On one hand it keepts the trolls at bay, they know they cant just go wild on video. On the other hand it's a bit creepy. Let me know what you think about via contact form or reddit.
What if someone is disrespectful or breaks the rules?: Report them. You can end your conversation at any time (cancel conversation button is always there).
Can I delete my account?: Yes. I didn't hook up a button for that yet so plz just submit your username via contact form.
Can i cancel a conversation?: Yes. The other person will be notified. Just don't do it too often. Respect the other person's time.
How do I see my profile page?: Account -> View Profile
Are my opinions displayed on my profile page?: Not by default. But you can enable it in your account settings.
What if I don't agree with either options for a particular topic?: Then the topic is likely not for you. This is super normal. You're not supposed to have a clean defined opinion on every topic. It's also a side effect of modern echo chambers. Some people aggressively discuss the problem while others don't believe the problem even exists.
I found an issue with the website...: Sorry about that. It's a side project. Describe the problem via contact form please, I'll fix it.
Can I post my own topic?: Yes. The button is on the front page. It will go through brief moderation because spammers and trolls exist.

Frequently Asked Questions