Why do people become addicted to yahoo answers?

Question

Hi, my name is Kimberley, and I'm a Yahoo! Answers (YA, or answers.yahoo.com) addict.

I know about the Yahoo group supposedly out there for us addicts (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnswerholicsAnonymous/), though it encourages sharing the most outrageous signs of addiction while joining, and some people say it may actually encourage this...

I have friends, I have a family, a job, a life... and yet I seem to be semi-to-seriously-addicted to YA. I'm wondering how much longer I'm going to have a life (as in a life outside of here) if this keeps up.

So, I'm wondering how and why do you think people become addicted? The answers so far haven't done it for me; I think they're missing one or two key reasons that I can think of, and I imagine there's more reasons I haven't even recognized or thought of.

Soo... I seriously want to know why YOU think people are addicted. Please EXPLAIN (elaborate upon) your answer. Thanks! :)

Okay, to add one little clarification. While I know I'm fairly addicted, I've already been pulling myself away, and there's no way I'm going to let this ruin my life or anything (yeah, I can quit anytime. Uh huh. ;-). Anyway, it's not too serious an addiction for me, and I am serious about why you think people like me are even a little bit addicted.

Thanks for the great answers; keep 'em coming! :)

Answer 1

I think that people become addicted to Yahoo Answers because it gives them a sense of worth.

When you help a person with an honest question part of the reason for doing it is selfish in nature. It is like saying to the world in a very public forum, "Hey! See! I can help people. I am not just some schlub that can not get enough surfing on the web!"

Not only having the opportunity to answer the questions contributes to this. The point system that Yahoo has created makes the feeling of worth measurable.

A psychological addiction, as opposed to a physical addiction, (I do hope you are referring to the psychological addiction. My mind boggles at the idea of this becoming a physical addiction.) is created when the mind learns that some sort of behavior leads to the satisfaction of a desire, and then fixates on that behavior because of its consistent satisfaction of a desire.

Being addicted, is a very common thing. You get addicted to T.V. shows because they satisfy your desire to be entertained. You get addicted to games because of your desire to win. Your addictions are a reflection of your inner desires. In this way, they can be a window into your subconscious.

Answer 2

ask people like your friends questions or your family get involved in a relationship and if you already are get more serious fill the time with other things. if you leave you're computer on all night try not to when you hit the sack turn it off people get addicted because there is a void in there life that they need to fill. this could be anything especially the Internet. also another reason people get addicted is that the temptation is there so maybe when you are on your computer disconnect the Internet and do something else but if all else fails just throw your computer out the highest story window. jk but seriously join a sport or club it sounds that you are really wanting to stop so that is the first step recognizing the addiction from there you can keep going please e-mail me at

[e-mail] i think my mail is listed anyways

Answer 3

Honey you aren't alone. You have the sense to get away from it when you want to. That is not to serious. There some that don't have that sense. I am on here after I get through with my household work and it helps me to unwind. I see so many smart people on here. I think there are a lot of people that are addicted to it. I can see why. It is very informative and entertaining. Have fun and glad you asked the question. You have a nice evening.

Answer 4

Some might think I'm more addicted than you. I've been on YA! 20 days more than you and am on the verge of reaching Level 6. Of course, I don't view it as an addiction, rather it is a form of entertainment. I still perform my job, take care of my husband and our home and continue to excel in my studies toward a Master's degree.

Answer 5

I'm addicted because I like the feeling of being able to help people find the answers they need. It feels nice to be able to use the stored knowledge in your head for something good.

Another reason I'm addicted is because I like reading some of the people's answers. Some can be so hilarious... lol It's good to have that though, to help balance things out, otherwise we'd all have headaches from all the seriousness. lol

But that's it in a nutshell. =)

Answer 6

Wow, found someone of my type, in fact this's what exactly I too want to know but could not think of asking here, B4 U, hence let's share what U get in answers, B friends, do contact on my I M or 360, since I don't have yr id's. Hope to hear soon. Thks.
p.s. I liked answered by ---- just me

Answer 7

Hello Kimberley! My name is 'Just Me' and I, too am addicted to YA.

I think I am addicted because it's a way to communicate with other people who I wouldn't get to communicate with otherwise. And it is a way of learning about other people's cultures, ideas, thoughts, ways of life, beliefs, etc. And a way of sharing my thoughts and beliefs without forcing them on anyone...if people don't want to 'hear' my ideas, they don't have to read them. Just think of the number of people you communicate with on here everyday! Whether it is just reading a question or answers or answering a question or posting a question. It's totally fascinating...you get so many types of people from young punk kids who think they are so cool to parents looking for help with their young punk kids. Funny answers, serious answers, really stupid answers...same with the questions. It's all here. And every subject under the sun from Jokes to Religion and Politics. I can think of much worse things to be addicted to!!!

Answer 8

People can become addicted to anything, including Internet use in general. That's the American way-- to do entirely TOO MUCH of something!

Answer 9

I don't know but I like when I get to help people and the way I know that I've given good advice is when they chose me as best answer I feel really good.

Answer 10

I enjoy waking up daily just to log on. I'm still psyched into thinking I'll win a huge prize one day for these points...