When peolpe answer questions here on 'Answers', do you think people are answering truthfully?

Question

I ask a lot of questions on advice with what to do with difficult problems and I cant believe some of the answers. I wonder if these answers are really what the people would do if they were me, or its all just lip service. I hope most have answered truthfully and I think they have, but I really dont know if they have really thought about just what they would really do in difficult situations. Its easy to give advice, but to actually live by that advice...well thats another story. But I anticipate that it is probably still good to ask questions here, as some answers will be helpful.

Answer 1

I always answer truthfully. However you are correct, some of the answers are odd, but then some people actually feel that way.

Another thing is that some people are not empathetic. They are simply unable to put themselves in another persons shoes. These people may feel as if they are answering honestly but they cannot even remotely imagine what the asker is feeling.

Answer 2

Many answers are truthful, but as anywhere online some are not... some people are here just for the points or to give others a hard time, or to fool around.

I try to answer questions truthfully but I guess sometimes people might think I'm making stuff up. I've done a few things that aren't really common, for example I haven't worn shoes for ten years and often when it comes up off-line, people will ask 'and to stores, do you not wear shoes there either?' 'and to restaurants?' 'and in winter?' 'and to the movies?' 'and to weddings?' etc, etc, etc, and it takes a while to convince them when I say I don't wear shoes ever, I mean quite literally that I don't wear shoes ever... if they read it online these people probably don't believe me.

Any time I give factual information I try to back it up with websites, I use the source box a lot!

Answer 3

I think most people answer truthfully to the best of their ability. Depending on the question, some answers may be factual, some may be opinions. I think reading different perspectives can be helpful, as long as you remember that most answerers are not professionals in the category you may be asking. It's difficult to completely grasp the asker's question by simply reading a couple of sentences because we don't know each other. I hope you find that the answers you receive truly give you some direction. As far as the unkind answers, disregard them, don't take them to heart and forget them. Be happy:)

Answer 4

I think some are, some are having fun, some do not go far enough with asking a good question, and some do not spend the time to give a good answer.

I think it is generally true that the longer answers are better, or usually, more truthful. Usually.

I always give the best answers and advice that I can, based on my 40 years of living on this planet, and from my experience as a Military Veteran.

My answers will not work for all people. I am often harsh in my own dealings with others, in my personal life. If someone is trying to mess me up, I get rid of them, as a friend, period.

That is usually the case with a lot of the "My friend did X, what do I do?"

I like good solid questions, so that we can see the whole picture, but as other posters have stated, it is often the case that we only get one side of it, or the poster's side, when obviously the questioner is also part of the problem, we can see that, but not how.

I just do the best I can in answering.

I do not answer people that are obviously asking a jerk off question like, "I slept with mom, now my aunt wants me, should I kick mom out of bed, or do 'em both?" < That seriously was a question I saw here a month ago.

A waste of time, and not funny.

I also don't answer those who are spreading their own personal religion, "Which is better, Christianity or the Religions of the ignorant?" or who are attacking science with religious arguments, like "Yo, Athiests, prove the Big Bang, you losers. Can't, can you?"

I think it is sad to see so many young people here looking for relationship advice. 13 year old girls asking, over and over "My boyfriend wants to do it with me. Should I?" When really, "Get with your parents, ask them to explain the ramifications of sex, love, dating, and children" is the answer.

I see so many that are lost, especially in personal relationships, because they made bad choices, and have dug a hole for themself, and trying to climb out of it. I give those people the most direct advice that I can.

I think I have helped some people. I hope.

I like to give serious answers to serious questions. *shrug*

It was a pleasure to answer this question. Good luck.

Answer 5

I would say answers are quite truthful. We don't have to always agree with what people have answered...since it is their personal opinion. Generally, I can tell if it's an insincere/invalid answer. I feel it is a great idea to ask questions here, because of the different perspectives you get that makes you really think....even if that wasn't exactly what you were looking for. Asking with an open mind also helps. When we ask for advise, taking in answers with a pinch of salt helps, because people are talking from their own unique personalities and experiences and attitudes... & sometimes, it's exactly what we need. An objective viewpoint to our siaution. In the end, it's up to us what we want to do with our dilemma. Yes, following advise is way tougher than just giving it.

Answer 6

I always try to answer as truthfully as I can. That said, I think there are plenty of people here just trying to get as many points as possible for whatever reason. Then you have others who just enjoy being rude.

I think if a person takes the time to write more than just a few words they tend to be more credible then those who give short, one-sentence answers.

Answer 7

I think that most of the people are sincere when giving answers to serious questions. However, there are those jerks who like to wreak havoc by giving rude and inappropriate answers to any question. Yahoo! is trying to root these people out, and I for one hope they can. The more you read on here, the better you will get at figuring out who is full of it and who is being sincere.

A few tips to try and sidestep the jerks: Make sure your question is stated in complete sentences (and not all caps) and you give thourough details for the question.

I have also noticed that people who say "serious answers only" at the end of their question details tend to not get a lot of jerks.

Use spell check always! Poor spelling draws the wackos like flies to honey!

Answer 8

If the question is funny or silly or hostile, I answer accordingly. I make fun etc.

Whenever I understand that there is a true problem and the questioner really wants an idea, I answer truthfully, seriously and with real interest to the issue.

It is nice to know that there are people out there, absolutely strangers to you who might want to share their experience with you and give a helping idea.

Answer 9

I think most answerers respond very emotionally to the questioner, rather than intelligently. I believe the Yahoo Answers board is intended to be a place to get intelligent opinions and information related to any topic ranging from sciences to sex & relationships & not where people like to spend a long, boring day making judgments and blurting out their personal agenda. Unfortunately, over the last six months, it has become the latter case.

Answer 10

Aloha from Down Unda!

As an honest & truthful person with a LOT of experiences, it is sad to recognize that there are plenty of liars among us but a built in key rap detector will certainly weed out the bee ess from the real deal!

The older we get doesn't necessarily mean the smarter we get. Some of us stay stupid & lie for life. Some of us stay smart & honest for life. The blessing of being able to hone my own key rap detector came around age 7, with the Santa Clause issue & Vacation Bible School.

I'll always attribute acceptance of Christianity with my successful key rap detection.

Best wishes -

K-den, M1/NSWMoke aka [e-mail] aka
Dorfus :O)) Chucklenose aka [e-mail]