After perusing the "Answers" area of Yahoo, I have never been more worried about the state of our nation. Is our educational system that bad? Are people really that apathetic that they choose to stop learning? I checked several areas, and while I'm no genius myself, I was appalled to see some of the questions and the correct answer only 1 in 15 times. And we are talking really basic stuff here. Do Photons have mass? How old is the earth? Will antifreeze kill my dog. Several Askers even picked incorrect answers as their best answer. I have seen incorrect answers in other forums as well, but this appears to be appealing to the lowest common denominator or the human race and I fear that they are spreading the mis-information to the masses, effectivly dumbing down the population.
2006-07-10 14:13:15 · 23 answers · asked by Brian P 1 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
You have really a valid point .Asking rubbish and sometimes feeding garbage as answers. But then there are certain nice points also.May be the organisers gradually play more pro-active roles by way of rewards or penalties.As regards the apathy, yes frequently it is manifest and we can not blame any one except the value system of our society.But it is also true that many like you are trying for improvement.Spirituality may help(not to be mistaken with religion).We should continue trying.
2006-07-19 02:53:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, Everyone Is Ignorant!
I would rather have dialog here on Y!A even with an ignorant person rather then have everyone out there sitting in front of the TV. There are so many topics I had never thought to look up until I saw them here. I am learning more in trying to answer questions than I would just asking them.
I think "good question, I'll go look it up" even thought they could just go do it the same way themselves (on google or whatever) but I did too. And I never would have thought to if I wasn't on here reading away.
I think this is a huge benefit to society.
Plus, there is a place for people to go for advice from a wide range of people. You have to weed out the dumb answers, yes, but when I see someone ask the best way to burp a baby or get out a stain...those are trivial things but they get 5 different answers to try until they find one that works for them.
People are communicating...there is dialog (even the hateful sounding Q&A's are communication) and that is a start.
So...I guess try being a little more optimistic.
2006-07-10 23:45:22 · answer #2 · answered by az 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. I don't answer a question until I am sure I know the answer, or would just like to comment. No, I don't think, even as a breeding ground for false information and a vulgar display of idiocy, we are furthering any detrimental side effects of our culture here on "Answers". This is merely a window into the common human brain these days. A snapshot of what we have become.
2006-07-10 22:58:01 · answer #3 · answered by Alysianna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, the first step in obtaining knowledge and wisdom is to ask questions, even stupid ones.
Do you best to try to answer people's questions as accurately and honestly as possible.
And the fault is not in the state of the education system its cultural. More kids would rather watch tv or play video games than read books that are educational.
2006-07-10 21:18:03 · answer #4 · answered by dgrhm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand your concerns...and they are valid. I stick to what I know, which is the law. I have been an attorney for over a decade, so I guess I'm one of the one in fifteen. In our cannons, we are suppose to educate people on the law, so I take this as a forum to do so...sorry about all the crackpots out there, but if you weed through, you may find some valuable information.
2006-07-10 21:21:35 · answer #5 · answered by victoria 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've recognized the same thing, not just within the bounds of Yahoo, but throughout society. As an informed individual, you rise above the crowd, not by complaining, but by promoting your ideas in a convincing manner. Those of true ideals and intellect will both learn from you, and teach you many new things.
It's not your responsibility to accommodate the ignorant. Let the world make it own mistakes, and they will learn from them.
2006-07-10 21:21:31 · answer #6 · answered by Henry L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the beginning was the word and the word became intelligence and intelligence became God. Relax there are some things to be gained here oh man of science. I have never known a scientist who could figure out even one secret made by man. So now the secrets of life are coming out of the closet. In a phrase "Lack of truth not intelligence or wisdom is the chain binding man to darkness".
2006-07-10 21:54:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm.. we could be harming society. I doubt it is anything serious. Want to know what I think is really bad? Not only are people asking or answering stupid questions, but they are not even TYPING correctly. The world is so lazy. Instead of for, they say "4." Instead of anyway, they say "newayz" or whatever. Jesus, I can't stand that.
Thanks for bringing up an excellent point and not being bothered by it enough to leave. This website could use more smart people!
2006-07-10 21:28:19 · answer #8 · answered by Kate 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the humans at Yahoo Q/A are the lowest common denominator of the human race and I fear that they are spreading the truth.
happy to see you found your way home
2006-07-10 22:01:52 · answer #9 · answered by man of ape 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're harming society by taking the time to go in search of how many times the correct answer is present and writing your question instead of doing something productive with your life that would actually benefit others.
2006-07-10 21:26:29 · answer #10 · answered by littlej_20042003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋