For adults only--I find this alarming, don't you?

Question

Since I came on this site, I have had a lot of fun asking and answering fun and provactive questions. But I have also noticed that there are a lot of questions asked by kids who seriously need help and advice. How many of you out there have been affected by these, and tried to help, or have you just taken the easy way out by either ignoring those questions, or giving a silly answer? Be honest.

Answer 1

I've got a pretty good sense for when people are kidding around and when they're actually looking for an answer. Their attitude and true need usually determine my response, since my goal should be to help them.

(Sometimes I do catch myself saying too much, or things that don't relate to the topic, and I have to edit it out. What can I say, and how can I say it, that will be most helpful to THEM?)

If the question is just silly or thoughtless, I don't bother with it --especially if it would belittle the person asking the question. I just let stuff like that go.

Occasionally, though, someone will say something that reveals a really destructive mindset or just complete ignorance. I'll respond to that in the way I think will "jolt" them or get them to consider a different view. I really still try to be constructive in my answer.

(I'll also stick up for some folks on occasion if the Asker is adding comments that unfairly ridicule the people leaving the answers.)

So, bottom-line: If I sense someone really needs help, I will give them whatever I can. If it's a joke or troll, I need to focus my time elsewhere.

Sometimes it doesn't feel like it's good enough to resolve their issue (and honestly, I can't "fix" anyone -- I can only give them something new to think about), but it's the best I've got at the moment.

I know your question was more an attempt to have adults make sure they help (rather than tease) someone in need -- but this is my story, and I'm sticking to it. :)

Answer 2

I'm new to this but I would say that the level of help I'd be prepared to give would depend on how receptive I was feeling to ideas generally. If I'm in a reading mood, then I'd read a load of questions, but I would probably only answer a few. If I was in a more energetic mood, I'd answer everything in sight. I've no idea how the points system works, but I think that connecting with people is more important than scoring points anyway. You may never know how just answering someone could help, even if you don't think you're being all that helpful.

Answer 3

If they really need advice, I've always tried to help. I give silly answers to the silly, pointless questions. Everyone just always seems to be so focused on sexually-related topics on here, is what I find alarming.

Answer 4

I am close to 50 years old, and quite often instinctivily I can sense
when someone is troubled, especially when one is young. Yes,
it is alarming...and I will take the time to give a detailed yet positive message to the person who asks. At times I feel like a
"Cyber-Mom"...but that's ok.

Answer 5

i try to give heartfelt answers to most of the questions i answer... but sometimes we get the silly ones who just ask the most rediculous things... like the man who asked where do babies come from? he was 36!!! so i answered accordingly and said toys r us...

i got best answer, too...lol

but if it is a serious question that needs addressed, i do so.

susan

Answer 6

I try to answer when I do answer by giving the best possible morale answers because everyone could use some guidance.

Answer 7

to be honest , the reason i sometimes didnt answer was because i tought my answer would be useless! , i only try give good honest answers about things i know and maybe can help with

Answer 8

Where are thier parents???? Besides sticking thumbs up thier A$$.

Answer 9

i answer them seriously coz they constitute the category of people who r most eager as well as needy

Answer 10

yeah there seems to be doesn't there. Trouble is you don't awlays know their age. I try to help when I can