Could we be a little more cautious, please?

Question

I know that we're on the internet but sometimes we really need to be aware of the age of the person asking a question. I feel a moral responsibility to at least offer something helpful even if I disagree with what they were asking. Someone just asked a serious spiritual question who is only 14 and was given a lot of unhelpful information. Again, I realize this is website and we're free to express what we want but would a little thought/restraint be helpful sometimes?

I checked the profile due to the nature of the question because I had a feeling it was from a young participant. The age was stated.

Answer 1

In the midst of so many selfish and inconsiderate people, it's always refreshing to find someone who takes responsibility.

I read about a study that was done. The people sponsoring the study had un-knowing participants wait in a waiting room for an interview. Someone in the next room start screaming. Statistically, most people were essentially willing to sit silently while someone was being murdered in the next room.
However, if ONE person jumped to their feet, and said, "Come on!!" , almost everyone was willing to follow, and render some kind of aid.
The moral to that story is that if you continue to take responsibility, most of the people will follow you. The ones that are too lazy or to selfish...you wouldn't want them covering your back anyway!!

Answer 2

While I agree with you whole heartily I don't think we will see much restraint on the Internet. I think if you stumble across someone who is young and honestly searching then maybe "you" or "we" or anyone who cares enough , has a responsibility to tell that person what we think and why we think it is the right information and encourage them to seek answers in an environment that might be more suitable. Parents, Friends, Teachers, Books. The Internet is a great tool but like any tool in the wrong hands it can become destructive and hurtful. But I love your heart in this matter. Good for you. :-)

Answer 3

The first answer already shows how ignorant the average person is on Y!A. He thinks all over the world it's exactly the same time as it is on his own watch.

Since this is the World wide web (emphasis on World), there can be kids on this website every time of the day.

Yes, kids need parental guidance when visiting the internet. Unfortunatelly not every parent does that. Is that the kids fault? Would it hurt us to take it into consideration at least that there are children on this website?

Sigh, people are so selfish sometimes.

Answer 4

I try to be helpful, but my answers may not agree with what you are looking for. I always attempt to decipher what the asker was looking for, if they are sincere and are looking for honest answers, that is what I will provide. If they are grandstanding, then my answers will usually be a little more direct if they are belittling my belief or joking if they agree with it.

Unfortunately this is the Religion and Spirituality section, and if someone comes here looking for an answer about prayer or the love of God, they will get answers that reflect beliefs from all types of posters. An Atheist may answer that there is no God. There is nothing wrong with an answer like that no matter what the age of the poster, it is an honest answer that may not adhere to your belief, but honest and just as valid as another.

Answer 5

I agree with you, But it is sad people don't see that someone older, can know anything. I am 57 yrs old, & I have been serving God for 37 yrs. I have seen many Very young Christians, thinking they know everything in the bible within one year. I am still learning after 37 yrs. But in that 37 yrs. God has lead me all the way. where as a one or 2 year old Christian Person tries to out do a veteran in the Lord. That also goes for younger people that is not a Christian, In 57 yrs. You learn from experince, & knowledge. And through going through a certain situation.

Answer 6

Was the info unhelpful or is that just your opinion? PLEASE NOT PUT ANYONE DOWN BECAUSE THEY ARE 14. They may understand and know more than a 25 yr old. Do we always know the age of the person that is asking the question? Yes there are persons answering question just for fun that my give silly answers, but for the most part I feel people are trying to be help and answer question to the best of there ability.

Answer 7

Very good observation. I might have went a bit hard on a few questioners when I was new here, because I thought it was all adults. It didn't take me very long to see that some of these are children. It would be good if Yahoo could put some kind of color code on our ave's. Those over 20 could be one color, and under 20, another color. This would be totally voluntary on the part of the participant of course.

Answer 8

True and it would be helpful if the person asking the question mentioned their age or just reference the word kid, because some of these kids ask very mature question and we don't know if it's a kid or not, then on the other hand they are here of there on free will and should expect that and they could be a bit more cautious and respectful when answering question.

Answer 9

You make a valid point, however, it isn't the job of the rest of us to "protect the children." If young people want to ask legitimate questions, they should identify themselves as being minors. The Internet is not always a nice place. We aren't going to assume we are addressing children here, therefore we can be expected to give adult answers, and the young people need to understand this. Their parents are charged with protecting them, not us.

Answer 10

Yes, I agree. I am 59 years old and have been the victim of elderly abuse numerous times on here. But, seriously I do know what you mean. As with any forum on the internet you never know who you are talking to. But most of the smart-mouthed, little people, with big heads know that they are invisible here, so not much can be done about it.