Why do people answer questions they don't know the answer to?

Question

Here on pregnancy and parenting, I've noticed a lot of legitimate, serious questions from people who generally do want to know the answer. Why is it that people will answer the question when they don't know what the answer is? Isn't it just much more simple to skip the question and find one you do know the answer to?

Am I the only one who is slightly annoyed by those who answer questions with an "I don't know?". And why do people do it?

Answer 1

I very much agree with you. I posted a question on here what to do about my boyfriend at the time and one said hang his thing from a tree. Granted it was funny but it didn't help me out in the slightest. Like the first or second person wrote it is to get points, but usually if you don't know an answer I suggest not to b.s. your way through it, it makes you look like an idiot which in turn makes you wonder about the intelligence of todays populous.

Answer 2

I guess it's for the same reason you see multiple questions on the same page.  Not supposed to do that, either.  I get annoyed with the stupid questions asked.  "I just found out that I'm pregnant, but I laid on my belly.  Will I have a miscarriage?"

Mainly for two points.  That's illegal, too.

Answer 3

I think that they do it just to be a smart a**

Answer 4

to get points.

Answer 5

To get points. Every time you answer you get 2 points. If you get a 'best answer' you get 10. some people are very competetative. also it takes a couple of points to ask a question.

Answer 6

I am annoyed by it as well. or the ones that say something like... thats stupid. or your lame. those kinda answers dont help anyone. I think they do it cause they get the points no matter what they say. I think it has to do with being immature. I read only the ones i think i might know the answers to. I dont answer if i am not sure the answer. I tend to stick to the pets section... cats and dogs... i just came to parenting. i think i should know something in here, cause i now have a 2 year old.

also... there is people that come in here to insult you or tell you that you are bad for doing something. I noticed in the pets side... they will go off on you for not feeding your pet this or feeding them that. when in the (wild) they will eat anything to live. not saying congrats for feeding him. its really annoying!

i know what you mean.

Answer 7

On the very first question I asked, the first response I got was "i don't know."  I was so mad I reported it - I said I thought it was a cheap and easy way to get points!  Then I realized it happens so often I just ignore it now.

Answer 8

cause they feel like do you have a problem with that well you better not

Answer 9

All people care about is their two points. I've had answers where people say "thanks for the two points" and that's it. It is very annoying at times!

Answer 10

You have to ask questions that you don't know the answer to. If you already knew the answer, there would be no point in asking.

Answer 11

I think they do it to get points. but they should not do this.

Best of luck for your baby.

Answer 12

People do this because they want to seem smart or just to get points.