what motivates people to answer yahoo-answers questions?

Answer 1

For me, I like to share information that I've learned over the years (particularly in the fish category). It really irks me when people share incorrect information, so I kinda feel it's my duty to correct wrong information.

I also like that tiny sense of pride I feel when one of my answers is chosen as best. At the same time, I get really ticked when I put a lot of effort and research into an answer - and someone's opinion gets picked over my answer.

And I answer because I'm bored. Or, like now, I just can't sleep - so why not share my knowledge and opinions with the world?

Answer 2

For some of us it's like solitaire, only with a constantly-changing deck (one with way to many jokers, but that's another story). I suppose there are some folk who are competitive, although this seems a funny thing to compete over-- especially when we don't use our names or locations (other than the occasional Aussie from Melbourne), so it's hard to brag about winning. [The email Yahoo sends out for a "Best Answer" says that getting one should be reason for a 'little victory dance' and 'celebrate a little'-- it seems more than just a bit extreme.]

Occasionally there are some very serious questions being asked, by people who are seeking help here particularly because of the anonymity, and those I try to take very seriously. There's a part of me that, although I'm now medically retired/disabled, is still a chaplain (I'm an Anglican priest, and have served over the years as a chaplain in the military, in hospital and hospice work, and with police, fire and ambulance departments), and so respond to those questions about which I can hope to be helpful. Usually, though, I answer questions either because I can't sleep (it's 1:10 am on the US East Coast), or because I'm trying to avoid some work I should be doing!

So, my answers seem to avoid being bored, to be to help others, and to avoid doing real work.

Hmmm... 2/3s of my motivations are 'avoidance'. Maybe I should talk to the chaplain.

Cheers!

Answer 3

Unending need for recognition. Delusions of being helpful. Need to show that we are not all insane or stupid. However, if you read a lot of answers you will see that some people give advice when they clearly have no clue or experience to draw from (especially in the parenting sections) Furthermore, many answers can be found on the Internet or in books....which leads me to ask....Why do some people ask such basic questions and seek help from strangers with no relevant education to support their answers?

Answer 4

properly I basically began doing it actually some days in the past and that i love it because even as i'm feeling down or clueless I turn to right here and percentage the understanding I extremely have with those who elect it, and their lives would properly be more desirable basically through some thing that's contained in the back of my concepts, accumulating dirt. It makes me sense strong about myself and chuffed for the people that get replied. also i'm v drained when I attempt this - round nighttime to assist me get to sleep - and that i love ending the day having been selfless, for once in my existence. i do not lnow anbout people's reactions yet that's my hippy moral way :P XxX

Answer 5

What do you think?
If you ask me, my answer would be- The questions are so different from all the superficial chatter of everyday life.
Thanks for letting us take a look at the world from YOUR point of view. Some of the questions- well, some of us have been there before. Been there, done that.
If we havent been there, we can look at the problem with a fresher eye than you can, if you had the problem. We can also answer the question from a different perspective.

Answer 6

Primarily the motivation would be the need for connection with others. Boredom and loneliness would be factors. The desire to share in the experience of others and to help them, if possible.

Answer 7

It varies. Sometimes a particular Q interests me, or I think can really help someone out.

Sometimes I am bored. Sometimes I answer simply for my own amusement.....

Sometimes I play Y!A like a game: can I beat others to posting the correct vocabulary word, or lyrics to a particular song, or some other specific Q? :-))

Some things, like cats or recipes, I simply like to talk about.

Answer 8

Trying to make it to level 2. It's like a video game.
Plus level 2 allows you to ask more questions. I like controversial ones and advocating the unfavorable positions. Polishes my argument skills.

Answer 9

I like to help people if I can. it's just my opinion but generally I answer the questions of people needing help

Answer 10

I get my questions answered and I answer others' questions in return. This pattern appears in many aspects of life. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.