Why do we post?

[mechanixis]

I've been thinking a lot about the cultural phenomenon that is the Web and what it does to people socially. In the grand scheme, the internet is still a very new thing - when we were growing up it was still in its fledgling stages. We're in a bold new era, full of bold new phenomena. Things like forums, twitter, and comment threads provide total anonymity and the ability to make your voice heard. And what I see, time and time again, is a thread that asks a question, and someone leaving a reply along the lines of "This has nothing to do with me, and I have no opinion." It seems like everything we think and feel, no matter how inconsequential or ephemeral, is worthy of a post.

So, without condoning or condemning, think about this: tomorrow, you will have forgotten everything you said on this forum today or why you said it. What you say will be read by a handful of strangers, who will forget it even sooner, and then no one will ever read it again as it stagnates in an archive somewhere. What's the point of all these polls, rants, manifestos, and raging, rambling arguments? Why should YouTube videos have comment threads? What is the inherent value of saying things, even without necessarily having anything to say?

 

[Gentleman_Reptile]

For the lulz.

And because deep down, everybody wants their voice heard, no matter how irrelevant, pointless, or minute it is. It's an attention thing, it's a reassurance thing, and a fun thing.

It can be entertaining, insightful, educational, annoying, and everything inbewteen.

People want to converse with eachother as a natural instinct.

 

[manic_depressive13]

Because we are bored. What you have said applies to all aspects of life, not just the internet. If you're looking for a depper meaning or purpose you're going to be left wanting.

 

[Tsunimo]

Often times I don't have anything relevant to say, which is why my post count is as low as it is, despite my being hear nearly two years.
I think people like to post things on site like this, or youtube, because, even though chances are it won't be remembered, or change the way anyone thinks about anything, it is nice to know that at least for a little bit, your opinion was heard. Hell, that's the only reason I'm typing this now, is so that maybe someone somewhere will read it and it might just make them think about something that they might not have otherwise.
'Course maybe people just honestly have nothing better to do with their time, whose to say?

 

[Scarim Coral]

It simply about being in the moment for comments being in the moment to comment. It doesn't matter when or where you witness the thing and having a comment field. As long you got something to say or to speak out from your mind by all mean comments (as long it's is valid to the content and not just typing lol and etc).

 

[Naheal]

Sharing slightly amusing pictures and such is generally my reason for posting. Why?

 

[RatRace123]

As part of a lengthy plan to take over the world, I post my opinions all over the web so that when I run for absolute world leader my opinions seem familiar and therefore safe.
That's how I plan to catch people off guard.

Or, I post because I enjoy it. I like the sharing of ideas and opinions, even if we don't agree with them, it's nice too hear voices from every corner of the world.
Who knows maybe someone's post will bring a smile to someone else, and that, to me, seems worth it.

 

[Mr Thin]

Because people have questions, and they like to know the answers. Even if the questions are poorly spelt, and the answers are heavily biased.

Because we find few things as fascinating as our own trivialities, and harbor a burning desire to share them with others.

Because we seek approval in any place we can get it, and sometimes that place is an internet forum where we hide behind fake names and postulate opinions we often have neither the guts, loquaciousness or opportunity to say in real life.

Because we get a pleasant buzz seeing someone respond to something we've said, because it means we've said something that meant enough to that person that they decided it was worth typing something of their own in response.

Because I'm an excellent typist, and this keeps my typing fingers in shape.

Because we can.

 

[Jonluw]

Tell me: Do you remember every conversation you've had? Do you even remember the details of some of the less significant ones you had yesterday.

We post because we like to talk and discuss with one another. Aaaand to up our post-count...

 

[Redlin5_v1legacy]

Why do I post?

[sub][sub]Because I can.[/sub][/sub]

 

[Erana]

So, without condoning or condemning, think about this: tomorrow, you will have forgotten everything you said on this forum today or why you said it. What you say will be read by a handful of strangers, who will forget it even sooner, and then no one will ever read it again as it stagnates in an archive somewhere. What's the point of all these polls, rants, manifestos, and raging, rambling arguments? Why should YouTube videos have comment threads? What is the inherent value of saying things, even without necessarily having anything to say?

If you looked at my post count, would you believe that I have been an active member on the forums this entire time? There are very few reasons that I post:
Because I feel as though someone could enhance my understanding of something through conversation,
I feel that if I voice my feelings, someone else may have a better perception of the topic at hand,
Or I simply feel a sense of satisfaction in the fact that I've posted something vaguely witty, and someone else will also get a chuckle out of it.

I don't like to post for the sake of posting. I like to get something out of it. I don't post if I feel that someone else has adequately covered my input. Satisfaction may be brief, yes, but that's what life is. Do you remember what you ate better than what you post on the internet?

The thing about posting on a forums is that its so impersonal; you simply submit your two cents, and chances are most interactions you will have with others because of it is to insult or correct you. Even if you have a proper discussion, rarely does this form an actual relationship. Of course, I have to say that in the past, The Escapist wasn't so much this way. I made friends on the forums, and people generally had an individual presence. Now, with the population explosion and the moderators less strict, there is more mindless chatter than discussion and bonding. Still, the Escapist aims for a little more intimacy in forum posts; we're told to be pleasant, respectful, and put effort into our discussion. I may not ever see you again nor even remember you in a few days, but for now, you've reached out to me, as I have to you. And its nice to be heard both ways.

 

[Wintermute_]

To Troll

 

[Raven's Nest]

Condescending explanation: Oh it's simple master! We post to facilitate communications and terminate hostilities...

 

[Brandon237]

For the lulz.

And because deep down, everybody wants their voice heard, no matter how irrelevant, pointless, or minute it is. It's an attention thing, it's a reassurance thing, and a fun thing.

It can be entertaining, insightful, educational, annoying, and everything inbewteen.

People want to converse with eachother as a natural instinct.

I shall now pull another useless statement: I have nothing to add after that post. It sums it up very well and is one that deserves the top post spot.

And venting is necessary for a healthy mind, I would go insane without some people to know that I was not having a good day

 

[Shuswah_Noir]

The urge to blurt out my opinion to someone I don't have to live with.
And the potential for know it all teens to try to argue with me. Always a good laugh.

 

[Woodsey]

So you may all have the benefit of my glorious opinions.