Is yahoo answers making you feel hopeless?

Question

It seems like every other post is some 12 or 14 year old girl talking about how fat or ugly she is, and how she needs to lose weight, and will only have friends if she's pretty.
I've answered a few of them, but it's like they just keep popping up again and again, and now I don't feel like I have the energy to care about them anymore.
It's so incredibly tragic.
It makes me want to quit yahoo answers all together, because there's no possible to way to really help these girls. This problem is already to ingrained into their psyches. No amount of posts will change their minds.

This wasn't really a question; I just wanted to address how upset this makes me.

I don't usually blame "society" for things... it always seems like a cop-out to me. But seeing all these questions has made me realize that there really is something very very wrong happening here.
So what can we do to fix it? (I guess that's the question)

So... I'm not sure how people are misunderstanding my question, but was NOT saying that I think these questions are stupid.
I think that is very very upsetting that there are so many girls that have such a negative view of themselves.
I don't think that most of them just want attention (though maybe some of them are).

I'm not ridiculing them, I wish there was some way to help them.
THAT is what I'm getting at here.

Answer 1

no matter how silly or stupid you think someone's question is.....their question is very important to them. instead of telling them that looks dont matter....simply answer their question. if they want to know if they are pretty......tell them that you think they are pretty if they are. if they are not, dont answer. it may seem silly to you.....but at 14 years old people are very self conscious and just want to know what people think of them.

Answer 2

This is an open forum and belongs to anybody and everybody.Thousand of users are moving in and out every day.In such a situation,a detached view is the only way to keep participating without getting disappointed or dis illusion ed.Look at it in an another way ie it gives you an opportunity to think over an issue.rationalize and sequence your thoughts,decide on the best form to express your self in precise and effective manner and hoping that some where, some body may find it of some use.Even if we don't know the utility and effectiveness of our ideas,we at least have a satisfaction of saying some thing on an issue which we thought to be proper and may be, justified..That is the most visible and tangible reward we get for participation.I can understand your feelings but still suggest that let no emotional or personal feelings be involved in this exercise.Feel free to choose and answer and overlook repetitive questions or silly responses.Lastly,such forums provide the most effective way for the troubled people to let go of their bottled emotions and find a sort of relief,even temporarily. Keep it up,if you can.It's rewarding both ways.Good Wishes.

Answer 3

It doesn't sound like the answer you got from Richard C was that there's no hope for you. In fact, I think he gave you a very honest, realistic and in many ways, kind answer. It seems that you are twisting everything towards the negative side and I don't think that's how he meant it at all. He gave you some really good suggestions, like trying to develope a job skill, whether it be by going to some sort of school to take a course or by doing volunteer work. I believe he also suggested that you consider developing some sort of social network and seek some form of help. What's wrong with that? It would probably do you a world of good. Just because you might not be able to get SOME jobs due to your criminal record, that doesn't mean that there's aren't thousands of great jobs that you can't get. Just a suggestion... try not to look at everything so negatively. It might be tough sometimes to have a positive attitude, but you have to try. It also sounds like you know what you want (as far as living in a hot country and finding a loving partner). So try to make changes in your life to attain those goals. It doesn't happen over night and it's not always easy, but if you start to believe in yourself, others will follow. And don't put too much pressure on yourself. As I said, it doesn't happen over night, so give yourself the chance to change and improve the quality of your life. Keep telling yourself that you deserve better, because you really do! Nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes... try to learn from them, not repeat them and carry on with life. I hope some of this helps. Don't give up!

Answer 4

I completely agree with your statement, and it breaks my heart. Our society has made celebrities seem to be the "it" thing. Many young girls no longer have role models that don't fit the supermodel size, wear the latest clothes, or ... drink alcohol. What can we do to fix it? Honestly, it's beyond fixing as it is right now. Unless the media wants to change the way they portray celebrities (and lose money), it's going to be extremely hard to show these girls that they are not worthless, they are not fat, and they are not ugly. Until those girls compare their spirits or minds verses comparing outside features, it's going to be tough. The only advice to give them is if they are actually being unhealthy, to get healthy. I do think that many companies are seeing this and trying to change, but it will definitely take some time, especially with women such as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton as role models.

Answer 5

You only need ten girls - at their lowest ebb after a rotten day, having been called names by boys and just found she can't get into clothes she needs to wear. It feels like dozens but she needs a plan. Why don't we make them one? Most of us have been there -sad spotty teenage girls who cry a lot.

1. Don't diet, but plan eating your usual food, only half the usual quantity.
2. Don't work out - don't run, but walk at least 2 miles a day to start with. (Walk instead of riding?)
3. Any small physical problem - uneven cycles etc, get them reported. You are probably healthy and strong, so work on that. Look after your hair and teeth.

What else. . . . ?

p.s. what teenage girls don't know, is that weight drops off them at a rate of knots once they start. Just don't let it still be there after you are 50 because it sets like CONCRETE after then!

Answer 6

Yahoo! Answers doesn't make me feel hopeless for myself, but for all the people asking silly questions like "What's the name of this song with the lyrics [...]" when all they have to do is go on Google and type the song lyrics, then type the word "lyrics" after it and you'll most likely find your answer.

haha...
I think just like you some people are just asking a question to see what happens next.

Answer 7

I see what you're getting at. Perhaps this forum should include an 'attention whore' section? I think that they would be less tempted to post, myself. :p

But in all seriousness, there's no way to stop them, just ignore them. That's what I do. Or you can just hurt their feelings and agree with them in that they are significantly overweight. That one's always fun.

=/

edit: Gigi, that too! I can't tell you how much that pisses me off.

Answer 8

i think a lot of them just need reassurance.
it isn't a new phenomenon but at least this is another outlet for them to try and get a handle on their changing lives.
hopefully, they get some kind of answer that helps.

Answer 9

yes ... I do wonder sometimes about the selt esteem issues some of these people have on here who likes to address questions regarding their physical appearance, why people dont like them (esp. guys). etc. It irritates me too. Because can answers really help you solve those personal issues??

idk.