What has your time spent on Answers led you to conclude about the way people think?

Question

I have noticed that there seem to be a few very prevalent patterns of thought (among serious answerers) in Answers, and I wondered if anyone else had observed this as well, and what conclusions you drew from it.

I like the point about written vs. verbal communication, mystic1...

Good answer, Kelley G!

Answer 1

Prevalent patterns of thought - not really. On any serious question you can find answers representing opposing points of view. Some questions (religion, politics, etc) seem to bring out more of one side than the other - totally dependent on who chooses to respond. The only conclusion I draw from the serious answers I have read is this: There are a lot of people out there who are willing to put time, care and effort into providing clear, complete, focused informative answers or sharing their personal experiences in order to help.

About the way people think -

IDIC
Answers is one place where anyone, anywhere in the world is free to say what they think. We certainly see infinite diversity - in knowledgeability, concern, caring, humor & effectiveness. A wide variety of ages, experiences and intellects are represented here. The young or naive can improve their thinking processes by experimenting here, and yes - their learning process can be somewhat annoying for others but, as with teaching children - the trying times are well worth the effort.

This adage come to mind:

No question is stupid if you don't know the answer.

Yes, some questions are easily answered with a simple search, but rather than knocking the asker, assume they haven't learned how to do that yet. Going on Answers and getting searched links, helps them to see what works and you can hope they will learn from that. Yes, some questions have you wondering what the asker could possibly have been thinking posting it here ( like my dog is sick, what should I do?). We can only hope that all the "Call a vet!" responses make them realize how inappropriate that is. Or the "Please do my homework for me" questions. Some of them need to be told to do their own searches, but some just need a little direction and mentoring. I know I have needed personal help at times when the directions given don't make it clear for me and, as a teacher, I often have to give an alternate explanation to some students before I see the light of comprehension go on in their eyes.

So I conclude that serious answerers are truly trying to help others.
And I absolutely agree with Dave S - many different answers and viewpoints can help the asker - it's not a poll. You can not accept everything you read in Answers as fact or truth, but it can give you a place to start considering multiple facets before arriving at your own answer.

Answer 2

My conclusions are as follows:

1. Everyone likes to fool around and joke
2. Guys usually more than girls
3. There are a few users however that are dedicated to spreading wisdom
4. However Answers would be no fun without the joking around
5. Once and awhile you can get a really good thoughtful answer
6. But usually not
7. It's a great for procrastinating
8. Overall its a good program and has contributed to the knowledge on the web.

Answer 3

I cannot say that I have drawn any definite conclusions about my experience thus far. But I would go so far as to say, how is this any different from life itself. the only difference, as I see right now, is that people are writing their thoughts versus verbally expressing them. And writing definitely allows for unique insights into an individual and where they are coming from in consciousness. I think the challenge in writing is being able to communicate your thoughts as intended, especially considering that the readers will be so varied in range: intelligence, comprehension, evolvement.

For me personally, I tend to focus on the question and am selective in what I choose to give attention to. I have enjoyed reading the viewpoints expressed by others in response to the question, even when & if it seems to be outside my realm of personal experience, knowledge, or awareness.

I also believe that the mind in man and the mind of man are the same. I also believe the more one understands oneself the easier it becomes to understand others. Patience replaces condemnation. compassion over judgment. kindness rather than ridicule. You know, stuff like that.

If I were to articulate any conclusion, it might be something like this: I appreciate anyone who takes the time to give genuine effort in expressing his/her viewpoint. Likewise, I can also smile when reading a humorous take on a subject.

I believe we are all made of the same essence - conclusion: just varying degrees of unfoldment expressing itself through each one.

Answer 4

People are individuals and those individual's all see things in a unique way. The really sad or forlorn thing is that there are so many individuals without a clue and only rely on their own minuscule life and surroundings to answer questions they have no idea about and ask pointless drivel and take up space where real thinkers can expand their thoughts and converse with others. In essence BS baffles Brains ha ha

Answer 5

I've learned that some people are pretty lazy, sometimes if I am answering a question I can do a very quick search and the first thing I click on has everything needed. Also, I have learned quite a few things in the short time I have been here.

Answer 6

I tend to not answer if I see someone already shares my view.
The purpose of answering is not so much to be right or be in the majority but to lay out as many different views as possible and let the person choose from ideas they may not have thought of or didn't know how to find.

I find that a lot of questions have no actual question, are terribly misspelled, someones homework, not looking for an answer but making a statement, baiting or looking to cause a reaction.
Instead of giving that person attention, I rather help someone that cannot help them self.
It is not how many answers are alike, but many different answers that helps. The person asking must decide from the lot. It is not a poll.

Answer 7

I've noticed that the majority of people don't even answer the question asked. Say, if you ask a question like, how many ounces should I be bottlefeeding my baby, you'll get answers like -- you should be nursing him!
That isn't the answer the questioner wanted and doesn't have anything to do with the original question either. I see this a lot and it annoys me to no end

Answer 8

The not so serious thinkers tend to ask repetitive questions with out using other resources available...ie.. search engines to find answers to some very simple questions.

Answer 9

I would give the Islamic world a week of mushroom clouds.Cos I'm tolerant and I want them to get to heaven as quick as possible.

Answer 10

Yes.I asked where i could find new models ,wanting to get into modeling with the offer to give them exposure.I used the term beautiful or pretty females.The answers i received gave me no clues as where to begin,but criticized me as to all women are beautiful.