But I'm not convinced it's fear. It feels more like overconfidence that they know what's Right. And if one is so sure something is correct, why would the other side need a say? Particularly if it's offensive or potentially hurtful to friends? They are likely to believe it's being said TO offend, rather than add value to the conversation.

I remember feeling very certain of many things when I was younger (marriage is for men and women, for one), but I didn't have social media or the ability to wrap myself in an echo chamber or bubble. I had a very outspoken family, and wotmania, aka: every opinion any kind of person has ever had in one place. I almost can't remember the original me.