Is narcissism, or egocentrism the fuel that drives AB participation? Other theories welcome.
by 
Mirage V2.0 AWOL
ANSWERS: 8
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Just obsessive-compulsiveness on my part
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It is the quest for knowledge. :) I have learned a lot through the Q&A's. I answer other questions and enjoy them, but the informative ones are definitely my favorite.
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People participate in AB for the simple fact that it's just another part of their tedious lives. There's a career, a family, a big television, washing machines, cars, compact disc players, and electrical tin openers. Leisure wear and matching luggage. A three piece suite on hire purchase in a range of fabrics. DIY and wondering who the f*ck you are on a Sunday morning. Sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing sprit-crushing game shows, stuffing junk food into your mouth. Rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, brats you have spawned to replace yourself, the future and Answerbag. Babbling brought to you in part by Ewan McGregor, Trainspotting, and myself.
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It depends on the person and the time. Also, I think you have to include various other motives -- particularly: - The desire to connect and share life with others - The desire to contribute and make a difference in the lives of others. - The desire to be stimulated by interesting conversations and learning from multiple viewpoints - Plain old fun. But let's not underestimate narcissism or egotism -- no question those are important in understanding the whole gamut. Points and comments are a kind of attention, and seeking attention is a common motive. Also, those who are combative and angry will sometimes use the 'bag as a way to dominate others, either by starting fights, belittling them, troll-rating, or whatever. This is also a form of egotism which is more destructive than attention-seeking. I think if we could "cut people open" when they're online and study their motives, we'd find a mixture of more than one of these things going on, and that mixture would shift and change over time. It's not as simple as one-size-fits-all, or even one-size-always-fits a single person.
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Narcissim. I don't see a mirror. Egocentric, no. You give points to good answers. You can't give it to yourself. I think a lot of people have different reasons. Some are just bored. Others like giving good answers. Some like points and levels and trophies. Some like Answerbag. Some like other Answerbag users.
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Sometimes I don't know why I participate. I almost always feel worse after I've gotten on AB then when I did when I started. I just don't understand life some days. The only good thing is I could say this helps toughen me up a bit for ministry.
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All of the above (below) and the desire to come up with a question that will really stimulate a good discussion.
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I'm just naturally curious.
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