I'm new to Answers, so this may be a reoccurring question. If so, please forgive me. I just notice that many of these questions could be answered with a simple google search or (this may be controversial) textbook. And, many of the questions are so pointed and aggressive that there is no way to properly answer the question without first clarifying/rephrasing it. The hostile askers don't really even seem to care what the answer is, they just want a debate.
SO MY QUESTION: What is the purpose of Yahoo Answers?
2007-04-16 11:08:42 · 7 answers · asked by Earthling 3 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Yes, well, welcome to the world of Yahoo Answers. All of your observations are correct. However, sometimes people are just not adept at searching with Google or Yahoo and information you might find without too much trouble is not as accessible to them. And not all of the questions come from folks who are in school, so textbooks (what a concept!!) may not be readily available. And, yes, the questions can be aggressive and unclear. But, if you sift through all of that, there are lots of people who genuinely want a thoughtful opinion or who are looking for relatively obscure information. Or, who are unfamiliar with an area, such as psychology, and don't really know what to search for in order to answer their question, whereas someone who has studied the field would at least know where to begin.
As to the purpose, it can be social, it can be entertaining, it can be a place to vent, or to get confirmation for your beliefs. It can also be a genuine quest for information. Personally, I enjoy tracking things down- I usually end up learning things in the process. Finding some fairly obscure piece of information is quite satisfying. It beats watching TV. However, it is also strangely addictive. That, I can't really explain.
Welcome. Give it a try. You might end up liking it.
2007-04-16 11:20:06 · answer #1 · answered by senlin 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yahoo Answers serves a variety of purposes. First of all, not all of the people here are like the ones you described. Some people come here to ask legitimate questions and they prefer a variety of opinions. Others come here for entertainment. They want to give or receive a "good laugh" to others who may be in need of something to smile or laugh about. Then, of course, are the angry people who come here to vent and/or insult. So, in short, you have to take the good with the bad. And if Yahoo Q&A is not "your thing", then simply exercise your right not to participate. Personally, I choose to ignore those who I refer to as the "mean, angry, people". I refuse to let them negate the positive aspects of this public forum.
2007-04-16 11:42:44 · answer #2 · answered by JOURNEY 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is but one method of communication, among many available on the web.
2007-04-16 11:12:03 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To inform, enlighten, educate, vent, express, ponder, voice your opinion, too be heard, to assist, to relate, too comfort, too debate and uh yea answer questions like this one.
Welcome too the wonderful world of Y/A!!
2007-04-16 11:20:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yeah i agree about the google thing, but mostly people want others opinions or advice and things like that...
aswell as that, you don't think you're being a bit of a hypocrite? your on answers asking why people use answers??
2007-04-16 11:13:26 · answer #5 · answered by Ladytron 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the purpose is to get others opinions on matters that you have questions abt. many times others kno the answer when you dnt its an intelligent thing to do....
2007-04-16 11:12:52 · answer #6 · answered by deathsmistress18 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its jsut about having another internet community. except more often than not, you feel clever coz you have answers to everyones problems (except your own, so you post a question) but you feel good about it. i suppose its a feel good thing.
2007-04-16 11:24:07 · answer #7 · answered by rumbz 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋