Why Do Some People Ask Questions and Ignore Answers?
It is puzzling when someone posts a question on a platform like Quora, only to ignore the answers they receive. This behavior can be frustrating, but it is important to understand the underlying reasons behind it. In this article, we will explore why some individuals post questions and then ignore the answers provided to them, drawing insights from real-world scenarios and the context of these online communities.
Real-World Context of Ignoring Answers
There are several reasons why individuals might pose a question and then choose to ignore the answers:
Looking to Validate Their Own Views
Many individuals ask questions in the hope that the community will offer a confirmation of their already formed views. When the answers align (or do not align) with what they consider to be true, they might either accept or reject the answers. In the latter case, when there is a mismatch, the individual often ignores the answers altogether. This behavior reflects a deeper need for validation and agreement within the community.
Replacing Social Interaction with Search
Online forums and platforms like Quora are designed to be searchable resources. They aim to provide well-written questions and answers for a broader audience, not just for individuals seeking validation. This search-oriented nature implies that the responses to these questions are meant to be useful to anyone who might search for similar information in the future, not just the person who asked the question. Hence, if the question is well-answered, the asker might feel that their specific needs are not directly addressed, leading to the dismissal of the answers.
Denial of Unbiased Advice
Another reason for ignoring answers is the rejection of advice that doesn’t align with the asker’s expectations. For instance, in the context of a customer service role, where one might be the buyer in a second-hand store, asking, "What can I do you for?" is a polite and open-ended question. However, some customers misinterpret it as "What can I do for you?" and are subsequently shocked when the answer deviates from their expectations. This misinterpretation can lead to frustration and a rejection of the response.
Understanding the Purpose of Quora
Quora, as a platform, is specifically designed to provide a resource for well-answered questions and solutions. It is not intended for social interactions, discussions, debates, or dating. The primary purpose is to offer information that is searchable and valuable to a broader audience. When an individual asks a question, they do so with the expectation that it will be useful to others in the future. Therefore, the act of ignoring answers can be seen as a failure to understand the true purpose of such platforms.
The Dynamics of Ignoring Answers
Ignoring answers goes beyond simple non-acknowledgment. It is often a form of rejection based on whether the answers align with the asker's preconceived notions or expectations:
Validation vs. Rejection
Individuals frequently ask questions with the goal of receiving validation. When they do not receive responses that affirm their predetermined beliefs, they are more likely to reject these answers. This rejection is not just about ignoring the answers but actively choosing not to engage with them. The frustration here stems from the human need for alignment with their own views.
Leadership in Questioning
Understanding that no one is always right and that people have the right to reject opinions is crucial. Leaders in online communities often struggle with this dynamic. They expect their perspectives to be universally accepted, but they must be prepared for rejection. Recognizing that others might have different views is an important part of maintaining a healthy online discourse.
Conclusion
Ignoring answers on platforms like Quora is a complex behavior driven by the need for validation and the expectation of specific answers. While it might seem frustrating, it reflects the broader dynamics of online communication and the search for useful information. By understanding these dynamics, we can better appreciate the purpose of these platforms and the challenges they face in providing meaningful and useful answers to everyone who searches for them.