Why are 'agony aunt' columns so popular in newspapers?

Question

I want your views about this. To start with, we can think in the terms of these--
1. Do the readers feel it will be able to solve their problems indirectly?
2. Does the feeling of peeping into others' private life and personal concerns attract readers (voyuerism)?
3. Does it make them feel superior coz they don't have such problems?

Answer 1

Human's are social creatures, we thrive on interaction. We want to be sure we have made and will make wise choices, for ourselves and tend to ask those who whe think have more expierence than us. If that means writing to somebody in a newspaper from which we have seen provides valuable advice to others so be it i suppose. I believe that reading about other peoples' lives is interesting it helps us feel less alone, and helps us remember that we aren't the only one with issues in our lives, making us feel more normal. Depending on the person they could possibly feel superior to people who have greater problems then them, but i would think that moreso people would feel pitty or sorry for them instead.

Answer 2

I think the first 2 reasons apply to me, but not the third. I actually feel kind of boring and dull if I don't have something wrong.

Also, I am interested to see if her response matches what I would say. Just curious to see how other people would go about solving things.
And yes, I am geniunely interested in solving some people's dilemnas.

Answer 3

to be honest I read them to realise that my life is great compared to most people and at least i dont have them kind of problems.