Human nature to strive for points on Yahoo! Answers?

Question

is it competitiveness that drives people to try and get points in this forum? the need to feel good through reward? it kind of reminds me of the reward system one uses with children...

Answer 1

sure

Answer 2

Competitiveness is human nature.

If there were no official point system, we'd still be keeping score in our minds.

The mind always seeks some way of "keeping score," some goal to strive for, however artificial and illusory.  We do this throughout our lives in many areas.

Answering questions can occasionally help someone, and it does keep the brain active by forcing you to think fast.

Answer 3

The fact that I'm actually answering this question clearly proves that I dont have a life, but yeah, you're right. It IS the competitiveness.

Answer 4

I haven't been active for long on Y!Answers compared to others. What I strive for is getting the best answer that is exactly what the asker wanted. I only answer questions that I know the answers to, because I really hate it when people answer my questions with 'oh, I'm sorry I don't know, I hope you find what you're looking for." And I've only asked 4 questions so far!

Y!Answers is really fun too, and a productive way to fill up small amounts of time I have that I would spend doing nothing otherwise. I like to help people find answers to questions that are driving them crazy. It also helps me find some interesting things like new books and advice on things. It's nice.

Of course, people do like to get points to, so I guess that's how it works out for me.  

Answer 5

Yes. It's kind of fun to compete with other people.  But often the good answers go unrewarded (at least in MHO).

Answer 6

Yeah, its human nature to be competitive.

I realize points have no value and are simply there for people with low self esteem, but i still hesitate before asking a question because i dant want to lose 5 points.

I also don't get why they have levels and daily asking/answering limits... oh well, its what makes Y!A so fun and addicting.