Why do people feel they must repeat an already posted opinion?

Question

Why do people feel they must repeat an already posted opinion?

I don't get it. You see that someone has already said exactly what you want to say, unless it is a poll, that is a completely pointless waste of time. At least say something in addition to repeating whatever was already said.

Answer 1

Maybe they need glasses and don't see the Search for questions option.

Answer 2

I'm sure I've done it. I like to see answers from people talking to ME for some reason. It's just different.

edit: Oh, I thought you were talking about already asked questions. I just don't read other answers before I answer usually.

Answer 3

I don't know. I've probably done it. But I just answer the question first, then I see what the other say.  

Answer 4

I just answer the question; I don't read other answers before I post my own answers.

Answer 5

You have a good point, but one which has been brought up many times before.  Why did you post it, considering your opinion on the matter?

As far as answering goes, there are typically very few or no answers when we start to answer a question and so most people do believe they are posting an answer which has not been posted already.

Also, the point of asking is to get an answer, and a consensus is probably the method most people use to obtain an answer.  This relies on a majority being the same.