Why People Tend to Answer Only Questions They Understand

At the risk of being marked as unhelpful, I sincerely hope that people only answer questions they understand. No one should divulge information they are not certain about, especially on platforms like Quora where accurate and reliable information is crucial.

In fields such as biochemistry and chemistry, numerous individuals attempt to answer questions without truly grasping the content. Did someone just guess at a complex topic? Definitely not. They might think they understand it, but they could be off the mark.

I can’t speak for everyone, but my approach is to answer only questions I am qualified to address. If a question delves into a specific or expert topic, I defer to those who are more knowledgeable and experienced. There’s no point in speculating or making things up when I can’t confidently provide accurate information.

Reasons Behind the Preference for Qualified Responses

There are several valid reasons why people tend to answer only questions they truly understand. Here are some of the key factors:

Giving the Best Advice: Providing bad advice to someone with a serious question can be detrimental. I prioritize giving thoughtful, evidence-based, and well-informed responses. For example, answers to questions like “Is it okay to ask my girlfriend to pee on me in the shower after a 6-month relationship?” are trivial and can be answered without deep understanding. Precision through Understanding: People can only offer accurate answers to the topics they are familiar with. Attempting to answer a question outside one's realm of expertise can lead to misinformation and misguidance. Convenience and Satisfaction: Answering a question you understand well is inherently more satisfying and easier. It aligns with one's knowledge base and ensures a greater likelihood of providing a helpful response. Adding True Value: To add real value, one must possess a solid understanding of the subject matter. This allows for clear, concise, and thorough explanations, which can be crucial for readers seeking genuine insights. Writing from Understanding: It is far more challenging to write about something one doesn’t fully comprehend. The quality of the response can suffer, leading to poor communication and a lower chance of addressing the question effectively.

The Importance of Delegating Expert Questions

When faced with a question beyond one's expertise, deferring to experts is wise. This not only ensures the accuracy of the information but also promotes a culture of learning and collaboration. Joining an academic institution or field of study unrelated to one's current interests can provide the necessary background and knowledge to tackle such questions confidently.

After all, it is better to admit one's limitations than to provide incomplete or incorrect information. Honesty and transparency are key in building trust and credibility, especially in the digital age where misinformation can easily spread.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Your feedback and engagement on these matters are valuable in fostering a community of knowledgeable and ethical contributors.