Why is everyone on yahoo answers so concerned about getting to the top of the list?

Question

Is it inherent in our nature that we need to compete, or is it socialized in American upbringing? Anyway, why are we so compelled to want to gain arbritrary points that pose no monetary or social gain, but rather, bragging rights?

Now that I've seen some answers, I'm beginning to see how people work here. Most mainstream users seem to be ok with just answering questions they know and helping out. But when you have 30,000 points at the top of the heap, who's to say you're not just answering questions with yes/no, just to build your mountain?

Answer 1

I enjoy the discussions and like to think that once in a while, I may actually help some one. I really have no desire to be on the top of the list. I would like to be thought off as someone who tries to give a good answer and is really trying to be helpful.

Answer 2

i've got been right here a whilst. changes at artwork have made it harder to submit as much as I used to. i've got been an exact contributor for a protracted time, yet I lost it for a week or 2 interior the spring. Then I have been given it returned, regardless of much less postings and much less terrific solutions. i do no longer understand why i'm an exact contributor. I see some solutions extra effective than mine. I see some people who're precise individuals and submit trash. i think there is assorted 12-sixteen 12 months olds at right here... i'd desire to care much less approximately 12-sixteen 12 months olds opinion of me or others. I additionally could be reluctant to take suggestion from them as nicely. there's a touch poor sign to noise ratio right here. i come across this real in maximum boards. i could checklist those i like, yet i could probable be considered a spammer then. i do no longer assume assorted the individuals you look to have observed responding to this, yet judging by using the thumbs up and down, i understand they are analyzing this!

Answer 3

I don't even think about being at the top of the list. I just try to give answers that are true to the best of my knowledge and hopefully helpful. Be careful about generalizing! Not everyone on Yahoo Answers is competing.

Answer 4

it is a marketing tool by yahoo. By having a ranking it spurs on real answers verses people just being stupid. That way this thing works with out a management mechanism it would go away quickly becasue there would be no point in asking a real question. It is actuall a really smart thing to do.

Answer 5

I think it's the same thing as people on Myspace who have 34,000 friends. It's all about doing anything at all, ANYTHING you can to attempt to seem better than the next person, or have some form of menial authority.

Answer 6

I think often people are trying to fill a void in their life. Perhaps their home/work/school are unfulfilling so arbitrary things like this give them an opportunity to feel good about themselves.

Answer 7

The top is impossible to get, I'm just trying to have a good time.

Answer 8

i don't know about everyone else (yourself included), but i just enjoy giving answers. and hopefully something i say might help or amuse someone.

Answer 9

its not same with everybody.........many ppl jst wanna help.so they answr......n its as u say,is inherentence of human..to compete.so is the case here.....but madam what r u wasting time here asking this useless question?????

Answer 10

I dont think there is that much competiton. No one is bragging.