What Drives People on Quora to Answer Questions: Narcissism or Genuineness?
Quora has long been a hub for questions and answers, but the motivations behind these contributions vary greatly. Some attribute the abundance of answers to narcissism, suggesting that individuals post out of a desire for recognition. However, others argue that the act of helping others and engaging in healthy debate can be a genuine and fulfilling experience. This article explores the various motivations behind answering questions on Quora and whether there is a connection to narcissism.
Is Quora an Arena for Narcissism?
Some users on Quora believe that the high frequency of answers is driven by narcissistic individuals who seek attention and validation. According to them, posting on Quora is a way to get attention and boost one’s ego. This viewpoint has been articulated by a 60-year-old disabled house-bound individual who mentions, “I’m just myself here and I know being myself exactly what I get in Quora as I get the exact same thing off of Quora. It should be no different as I am answering in the same ways I would answer in person. I already knew I would not get a lot of followers or views. Most of the time women come to me for advice and hardly any males. Most males don't like me. So it's most likely that I would assume the same…”
Post Without Being Narcissistic
However, others argue that there is no direct connection between posting on Quora and being narcissistic. They suggest that the act of helping others or participating in healthy debate can be a genuine and rewarding experience. “There must be a relationship with narcissism. The relationship is that there is no connection. One can post without being narcissistic and vice versa.”
Intellectual and Spiritual Values
User-generated content on Quora is often praised for its depth and authenticity. For instance, one user remarked, “I think only a narcissist would think helping others or participating in healthy debate is narcissistic and fails to see the intellectual and spiritual values derived from such work.” This suggests that many contributors on Quora are motivated by a desire to share knowledge, to help others, and to engage in meaningful conversations rather than seeking personal gain or validation.
The Diverse Motivations Behind Contributions
The motivations behind answering questions on Quora are diverse and can range from genuine desire to help, to seeking recognition, to a need for mental stimulation. Users like the 60-year-old disabled house-bound individual contribute because they believe in sharing their unique experiences and skills. They mention, “I’m bored. I’m 60 years old, disabled, house-bound, no children or grandchildren. I have a unique experience mix and skills that some people find interesting.”
Conclusion
While the act of answering questions on Quora may sometimes be driven by narcissistic motivations, it is just as likely that individuals are genuinely seeking to assist and engage with others. The platform serves as a forum for both genuine help and recognition-seeking behavior. The true nature of one’s motivation can often only be discerned through their contributions and the way they interact with the community.
Related Keywords
- Quora - Narcissism - Genuine Help