Why do people think that Yahoo Answers is a Magic 8 Ball?

Question

I mean, come one... "Does Carl like me?"... "Will I ever find love?".... "Am I pregnant?"

How should we know, really? All we can do is make an educated guess based on the info given... and often there's no information besides the question... "Will my ex call me?"

And the worst part is, people answer seriously... I wonder if people think we're all psychic.

Additional Details

I knew I'd get beat up over this one... Good Lord. There's no need to be nasty. I'm not being rude.

I think there's some misunderstanding here... I totally understand asking people other people about their situations.

But if all the information we get is four words: "Does he like me?" and no other info, there is absolutely no way to answer it. We have no way of knowing. This is what I'm getting at, not legitimate questions.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

By first checking out one's profile/types of questions they ask, as well as how they've answered OTHER questions, it helps get the "feel" of where they're at in life, there age, their "status".
It's sooo very sad when 15 year olds are asking if it's wrong to have a baby by their ex.
Sometimes people just want to use Y!A's to chat, I think, too. What ever floats their boat. For those who do pose seemingly serious, "really would like to know" type questions, then yeah,...all we can do is give our best educated answer.To avoid any of us "talking out of the side of our face", I think doing some legit research is a considerate thing to do, in addition to examining their profile.Whatever sheds light on them and the question posed can be very helpful in giving "what we feel" (all in all) is the best answer FOR THEM.

We sure could do WITHOUT the perverts, possible rapists, schmucks, smart asses, and the jerks, though! Mind you, that's merely MY opinion.

Please don't be offended if I answered your question,...too "seriously". You asked it. I just answered.

With a little "digging" you can discover that those four worded questions are being asked by teens and quite sadly, by pre-teens as well. So I really don't understand why some find it so baffling when coming across those sad, mindless, "empty" questions.

Make it a good day. Take care.

Source(s):

Merely MY opinion AND observation.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

You're probably right.

Answer 2

Blue cheese on the moon on the during a warm spring day in Germany.

Answer 3

Yahoo Answers are for entertainment purposes only.

Answer 4

I think people just like to come on here and talk. Also, the point based system encourages people to ask questions, even if they are frivolous.

Answer 5

I think some questions are just for fun and to earn points and things. Why do you have to be such a douchebag? Maybe I should post that as a question on Yahoo Answers. I really don't know the answer. Can you please tell me?

Source(s):

Stop hating!

Answer 6

thats what I would like to know. at least I can tell other ppl off and it gives me something to do.

Answer 7

Reply hazy, try again later.

Answer 8

Maybe. Try again later.

Source(s):

Magic 8 Ball.

Answer 9

i guess because they cant get an answer ne where else so they depend on yahoo!

Answer 10

The magic 8 ball says "ask again later"

Answer 11

That's a good question. Whenever I see one of those I just skip over them.

Answer 12

In a way, Yahoo Answers is like a Magic 8 Ball. You want an answer and there's people giving you one (serious or not). Besides, it's time killer for me. I love reading the stupid questions and answers.

Answer 13

cuz its fun...yahoo answers is my answer for boredom lol. btw u look hot =)

Answer 14

magic or not, its not like i have anything better to do! And i disagree a lot with King of Cuse, some of my questions got answered, its not just about the points.

Answer 15

Maybe it is not to see if there is a yes or no answer but at times in our loves we each go thru things where it may take other perspectives to help shed light in certain areas. Many people do not use the answers they receive to dictate or control their situation but have you ever heard of the say it is easier to talk to someone that is not in your everyday life? I mean I have issues that I talk to the same people about day in and day out and at times I think their advice is a bit biased so I come on here not so much for the "golden answer to all my problems" but just to see things from all perspectives.

Answer 16

I'm no better than the rest; I'm answering your question due to the hot pic you posted
but
seriously
I guess there's something to be said for dragging the bottom.
We're Americans
Lowest Common Denominator (our creed)

Howdy! I'm back - man, you're right...these people really put it all out there...do they actually take this useless advice? Y! answers changing lives one at a time...what a dismal future

Answer 17

I think it might be that some people are desperate, and have no real friends who they can talk to or ask or trust. But for some reason they are fine to ask complete strangers about these personal matters.

Answer 18

i don't know i think it can be like funny but other thimes it is pretty gay i like being here because some times it's funny

Answer 19

They ask all these questions here because they can not ask any one in real life. People who were in similar situation try to ans them.

Answer 20

I just ignore those people.

Answer 21

Its just fun.

Answer 22

Oh why not? Its fun isn't it? If you don't like questions that people post, just ignore them. You don't have to answer them yourself, its not hurting you, and maybe these people enjoy reading the answers they get to such questions. Its just a bit of fun.
You could always just answer questions that you think are appropriately serious for you.
And I'm sure people do not think you are psychic!

Answer 23

it is only for fun lighten up a wee bit.

Answer 24

Good point. I'm getting tired of the question "How will I know if he/she likes me?" That is getting old.

Answer 25

Lanani, did you get a new picture?

Thumbs up Lanani!

Answer 26

earlier today i asked the yahoo answers community what the chances are of you getting me pregnant. only two people responded! i don't understand why everyone was so reluctant to speculate on this possibility.

so to answer your question, i think the 8-ball thing is purely situational.

Answer 27

It is certain.

Answer 28

It's NOT a Magic 8 Ball? Wtf?!

What other purpose could this site possibly serve?

Answer 29

Seeing as I am psychic, I knew you would ask this question. There really is no need to put all that info in your question, as the rest of the psychics here will know what you mean anyway. ;-)

I guess it's just fun and people can answer or ignore whatever they want, right?

Answer 30

I think alot of people want reassurance about their problems and they are afraid to talk to people they know. Like a young girl who is pregnant, she is having the symptoms and is very worried and afraid to go to her parents. So she comes here and asks for everyone's opinion because alot of people have been through it. I don't think she is actually wanting people to answer yes you are pregnant but I think she is wanting to know if she is right to worry.
As for "will my ex call me" they are really wanting to get back with their ex and has nothing better to set at home and ask those questions.
As for does so and so like me. That is probably some young girl with her first crush and she can't wait to tell everyone but is to nervous to tell him. So she gets people's opinion to boost her self esteem to hope fully approach him.
Will I ever find love, is just someone who is lonely and wants to know if there is really hope for them. Usually looking for personal experiences.
I don't think these people are looking for definite answers but more opinions and personal experiences.

Answer 31

The more I've been here, the more tired I've become of the very thing you're talking about. I think some people post them on a lark just to see what people will say. I think some people are trolling (especially if the question is provacative, i.e., "I'm fat. How do I lose weight?"). I don't take these people seriously, but I think that questions like these will become the death of Y!Answers.

If only I had a quarter for every "Could I be pregnant?" and "When is the best time to have sex so I don't get pregnant?" question...